Italian stars Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo have left the national team training camp after suspected allegations of ILLEGAL betting activities

Italian midfielder Nicolo Fagioli is also under investigation regarding illegal betting activities.

Italian stars Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo have left the national team training camp after suspected allegations of ILLEGAL betting activities

(L-R) Italy's Nicolo Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali. (Source: AS ROMA and EPA)

Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo, both playing for the Italian National Team, have left the team’s training camp because they were questioned by the police about possible involvement in illegal betting. This means they won’t be able to participate in Italy’s upcoming matches.

The Italian Football Association (FIGC) has issued a statement, saying, “Today, the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office investigated Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo.” The statement goes on to explain that the players were not in the right condition to play in the scheduled matches. Further, it stated that they have been allowed to go back to their respective clubs.

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Although the case details are unclear, as of now, Article 24 of the FIGC’s sporting justice code prohibits betting on events by FIGC, FIFA, and UEFA. Violators face a potential three-year ban and a €25,000 fine. Currently, the case is under investigation’s preliminary stage. This allows the pair to continue playing for their clubs in the Premier League after the international break.

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Tonali and Zaniolo, 23 and 24, are in a crucial stage of their career where players are at their supposed ‘physical peak’. Any ban of sorts could be detrimental to their growth as a player. So, both the players’ camps will hope for a positive verdict.

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Sandro Tonali, from Milan to Newcastle

Football fans around the globe were shocked when Newcastle United announced their summer signing, Sandro Tonali from AC Milan for a transfer fee of €70 Million with add-ons, on a 5-year contract. Tonali was initially loaned from Brescia by Milan – a club he has supported since childhood. He willingly reduced his wages to complete his transfer to the Rossoneri after the initial loan period.

Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali (Source: via CFP)

Tonali would then go on to lift the Serie A title with the club – the club’s first in a decade – making him a hero at the club. So when Milan informed their childhood fan of their plans to sell him off, the player was reduced to tears.

In his first interview as a Newcastle player, he expressed that the decision was the hardest he has ever had to make as a player.“It was difficult but it had to be done. The time had come,” Tonali said.

Now replacing red and black with black and white, Sandro Tonali is quickly becoming a fan favorite. The Toons say he has a ‘workhorse’ mentality. And he showed by opening Newcastle’s Premier League campaign with a goal on his debut at St. James’ Park.

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