The betting scandal has erupted with news that police investigators are interviewing Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo inside the Italy camp as the players are sent home ahead of EURO 2024 qualifiers.
It is now confirmed by multiple sources including news agency ANSA that police figures are in attendance at the Coverciano camp near Florence this evening.
The FIGC released a statement confirming the interview and noting that both Tonali and Zaniolo have been sent back to their clubs, so will not feature against Malta and England.
They are also now both formally under investigation by the Prosecutor in Turin, the same prosecutor who is investigating Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli.
Police were allowed to meet with Italy internationals Tonali and Zaniolo to discuss the allegations made by gossip columnist Fabrizio Corona.
He claims that Zaniolo was even going so far as to place bets on Roma’s Coppa Italia games when he was in the squad.
Although Zaniolo has since moved to Aston Villa and Tonali from Milan to Newcastle United, any ban for breaching betting rules would be extended to all UEFA and FIFA affiliated competition.
When Juventus midfielder Fagioli was under investigation, it was noted that he could face a minimum three-year ban and a huge fine.
If confirmed, then Zaniolo’s allegations in particular would be considerably more serious, as betting on your own team is illegal quite beyond the sporting justice system regulations.
oh boy.. they couldn’t wait til after the qualifiers? Italians like to beat themselves don’t they? It’s not like they murdered anyone…
Poor souls. What they don’t make enough money ?