Italy has decided to release Sandro Tonali from Newcastle and Nicolo Zaniolo from Aston Villa from their squad, set to face England and Malta in the Euro 2024 qualifiers over the upcoming week. This move comes after the players were questioned by authorities as part of an investigation into a betting scandal.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) officially confirmed that Tonali and Zaniolo had cooperated with the ongoing investigation. However, to safeguard their interests, the FIGC made the decision to allow them to return to their respective clubs instead of participating in the upcoming matches.
The statement issued by FIGC stated: “The Federation communicates that, in the late afternoon of today [Thursday], the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office notified investigation documents to the players Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo, currently in training with the national team at the Federal Technical Center in Coverciano. 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, also to protect them, to allow them to return to their respective clubs.”
The scandal, which is emerging in Italy, initially involved the questioning of Juventus and Italy midfielder Nicolo Fagiolo by officials earlier in the week. Turin Chief Prosecutor Enrica Gabetta confirmed that Fagiolo was under investigation regarding allegations of illegal betting activities.
Italian media reports have suggested that 22-year-old Fagiolo was the focus of a probe related to the use of an illegal betting platform. The subject matter, whether it concerns football or not, has not been confirmed. It’s worth noting that players in Italy are prohibited from betting on football matches, but other forms of gambling are allowed.
The FIGC granted access to the national training camp in Coverciano to allow the police to interview both Tonali and Zaniolo. Gigi Buffon, the Italy delegation chief, was present during the questioning.