As Fabrizio Corona threatens to name another Calcio figure involved in the betting scandal, Italy coach Luciano Spalletti warns ‘players are public figures and that means people want to get famous by spying and profiteering.’
Gossip columnist Corona has already reported in August that Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli had a gambling addiction, then named Sandro Tonali, Nicola Zalewski and Nicolò Zaniolo as being involved in illegal betting.
Corona, who spent time in prison for blackmailing players and clubs with photographs taken when he was known as the King of the Paparazzi, has promised to release another name this afternoon.
“Players have to realise they are famous, public figures and that means other types of professionals will want to get famous by spying on and profiteering from their behaviour,” Spalletti told RAI Sport.
“This is all important to be aware of and knowing what context you are living in. Because if you cannot resist certain temptations and stick to those values, you should at least be aware that it could affect your profession and career.”
While Spalletti acknowledges that those who breached the rules should pay for their mistakes, his position with the players is starting to soften.
He also made clear that the decision to send Tonali and Zaniolo home from international duty was also to protect them from playing when disturbed by a police interrogation.
“We are sad at what has happened, we are close to them and will continue to be by their side in a few days when the glare of the spotlight on them has faded a little.
“We will then try to do our duty as fair people, because anyone can make mistakes and we probably all made mistakes when we were young.
“There has to be more of a focus on education, because I see that in many people the temptation to gamble is a road to perdition. You lose all your values, perhaps become a different person from the one you want to be, lose sight of things that are fundamental in life.”
Juventus midfielder Fagioli handed himself in to the club directors and the authorities when realising he had a serious gambling addiction, with reports in La Repubblica he lost up to €1m.
Tonali has also now reportedly started seeing a therapist for gambling addiction.