REPORT: Zaniolo and Tonali admit to illegal gambling as 10 more players accused of betting violation

Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo | X/@FabrizioRomano

REPORT: Zaniolo and Tonali admit to illegal gambling as 10 more players accused of betting violation

Ayoola Kelechi 15:47 - 14.10.2023

Both Zaniolo and Tonali are facing suspensions of up to three years if found guilty of gambling violations

Italian players Nicolo Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali have reportedly admitted to placing bets on illegal websites, opening themselves to lengthy bans for their offences as more players face accusations. 

Tonali and Zaniolo quizzed in relation to betting violations

Zaniolo and Tonali were among the first set of players accused by Italian gossip columnist Fabrizio Corona of illegal betting activities alonsgide Juventus youngster Nicolo Fagioli. 

Fagioli was reported to have immediately presented himself to authorities with an admission of guilt, stating that he had indeed placed bets on football matches but not matches involving his team. 

Nicolo Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali | Imago
Nicolo Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali | Imago

The midfielder has now been joined by his Azzurri teammates Zaniolo and Tonali, who reportedly admitted to some betting violations when quizzed by police. 

Italy pair admit wrongdoing

The pair were questioned while on international duty with Italy and spoke with police before being excused from the national team’s camp. 

According to a report by Calciomercato, both players were on the brink of tears when they admitted to placing bets on illegal betting sites on poker and blackjack games but never football matches. 

Zaniolo and Tonali now face bans of up to three years if they are found guilty of gambling violations, but they could be spared the lengthy sentence if they cooperate with authorities, which they are apparently trying to do. 

In addition to Fagioli, Tonali, and Zaniolo, Corona also told Il Corriere della Sera that there were at least 10 more players who were involved in gambling malpractice, although the journalist did not reveal their names yet.