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Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Fagioli are once again in the spotlight of investigators in connection with a new probe into illegal gambling activities, Italian news agencies reported on Friday.
According to reports from ANSA and AGI, Newcastle United midfielder Tonali and Fiorentina’s Fagioli, both of whom are Italy internationals, are among a group of Serie A players under suspicion of involvement in illicit betting.
Also named in the investigation are Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes and Ángel Di María, who played alongside Fagioli at Juventus during the 2022/23 season. Other suspects include current Juventus players Weston McKennie and Mattia Perin, as well as Italy internationals Raoul Bellanova and Samuele Ricci. The investigation centres around their alleged participation in poker games and betting on sports, excluding football matches, via banned gambling platforms.
The Milan prosecutor’s office issued a statement on Friday confirming that five individuals linked to the management of the illegal gambling operations had been placed under house arrest for charges including money laundering. The authorities also seized 1.5 million euros ($1.7 million) in the operation, which was said to have been run from a jewellery store in the city.
Although none of the footballers involved have been arrested, they may face minor penalties, most likely fines, as part of the criminal investigation. However, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is yet to decide whether disciplinary action will be taken against the players.
Prosecutors allege that Tonali and Fagioli received financial rewards for recruiting others to participate in the illegal gambling networks.
Tonali was handed a 10-month ban in October 2023 for betting on football matches, including those involving his former club AC Milan, while he was still playing for them. This suspension saw him miss Italy’s Euro title defence in Germany, where the Azzurri were knocked out in the last 16 by Switzerland.
Fagioli, who has openly admitted to struggling with gambling addiction, was banned for seven months shortly before Tonali’s suspension. It was reported that Fagioli ran up debts exceeding three million euros.
