Roma and Poland international defender Nicola Zalewski promised legal action against Fabrizio Corona, insisting he ‘absolutely excludes’ involvement in the gambling scandal.
The player was named by gossip columnist Corona as placing bets and aired what he claimed was ‘evidence’ of gambling during the Striscia La Notizia episode last night.
This was a clip of Zalewski on vacation talking to Antonio Esposito, whose uncle is the source for the betting investigation, about a tennis match, asking “what did you put on that?”
It can be interpreted as placing a bet, but if it was on tennis and not football, then any punishment would likely be less severe, possibly only a fine.
Meanwhile, Zalewski’s lawyers Paolo Rodella and Federico Olivo have released a statement this evening to news agency ANSA.
“Our client absolutely excludes any involvement, even to a minimal degree. He has asked us to take action in any venue necessary against those who defamed his name, image and reputation.”
Zalewski had also reassured the Poland international team staff and Federation that he was not involved in the illegal gambling scandal.
Corona seemed to imply there was a group of friends at Roma, including Stephan El Shaarawy and Nicolò Zaniolo, who all discussed illegal gambling regularly.