Zaniolo, Tonali out of Italy squad for Euro qualifiers after police questioning

Juventus’ Fagioli betting scandal unearthing new names

Hours after Juventus player Nicolo Fagioli became investigated by Italian police for illegal online betting, two new names have surfaced, particularly from the Italian national team which is preparing for its Euro 2024 qualifying fixture against Malta on Saturday.

Reports in Italy have now named Newcastle United and Aston Villa midfielders Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo.

According to Sport Mediaset, Fabrizio Corona, a public figure who had already made the Fagioli betting revelation, has mentioned the two players, formerly of Milan and Roma respectively, and who are now both playing overseas after moves in the summer transfer market.

In fact, the pair were summoned by the police on Thursday while in Coverciano with the national team, accompanied by head of delegation Gianluigi Buffon.

Following the police questioning, both players left the training centre and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) decided to allow them to return to their respective clubs.

“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,” a FIGC statement read.

“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 the protection of the players”