Italian footballers Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo have been excluded from Italy’s national squad ahead of their match against England due to an ongoing betting probe, according to reports from Sky News. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed that the players, representing Newcastle United and Aston Villa respectively, will not participate in the upcoming matches against Malta and England.
Exclusion from National Squad:
Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo, key players in Italy’s national squad, have been dropped from the team following an ongoing betting investigation. This section underscores the significance of their omission from the crucial matches against Malta and England.
Investigation by the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office:
Both players will undergo an investigation by the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office while at the national team’s training center in Coverciano. The reasons for their investigation have not been disclosed yet, but Italy’s ANSA news agency reported their involvement in a betting probe.
FIGC’s Statement:
The FIGC has explained that the exclusion of Tonali and Zaniolo is primarily due to their state of mind amid the ongoing investigation. This section highlights the FIGC’s concern for the players’ well-being.
Ongoing Betting Probe in Italian Football:
The article will discuss the broader context of ongoing betting probes in Italian football. Earlier in the week, Juventus’ Nicolò Fagioli was also under investigation for alleged betting on illegal websites, indicating a concerning trend.
Potential Consequences:
In Italy, players found guilty of betting on their own sport can face significant consequences, including a potential three-year ban from the sport and substantial fines. This section explains the legal ramifications that players like Tonali and Zaniolo could face if found guilty.
Impact on Their Clubs:
The exclusion of these players also has implications for their respective clubs, Newcastle United and Aston Villa. It may affect their lineups and strategies in upcoming matches.
The removal of Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo from Italy’s national squad due to an ongoing betting investigation highlights the strict measures taken to uphold the integrity of sports in Italy. It also serves as a reminder of the potential consequences that professional athletes can face when involved in betting activities related to their sport. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining transparency and ethical conduct in the world of professional football.