The FIGC have revealed that Nicolo Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali have returned to their clubs after investigation from the Italian police over their involvement in betting. The Italian football body has released a statement confirming the return of the two players to their respective clubs, and adds that the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office informed the players of the situation.
Juventus’ Nicolas Fagioli is also under investigation for the same, but hasn’t been called up to the national team. The three players run the risk of a three-year ban if they are found guilty, with Zaniolo reportedly placing bets on matches during his time with Roma.
Nicolo Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali return from Italy national team after getting involvement revealed
“The Federation communicates that, in the late afternoon today, the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office notified investigation documents to the players Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo, currently in training with the national team at the Federal Technical Centre of Coverciano,” the official statement released read.
The statement continued, “Regardless of the nature of the acts, believing that in this situation the two players are not in the necessary condition to face the commitments scheduled in the next few days, the Federation has decided to allow their return to their clubs, even for protection of the same.”
Tonali and Zaniolo have both joined Premier League clubs this summer, with the former AC Milan midfielder joining Newcastle United while Zaniolo joined Aston Villa. Both teams have a betting company as their front of shirt sponsor, which only fuels the fire surrounding the situation, but the players were apparently involved in the matter well before their transfers.
Now, it remains to be seen what the police finds as part of their investigation and whether bans from football similar to Ivan Toney and Harry Toffolo will be handed to the players.
