Aston Villa have announced that Nicolo Zaniolo is cooperating with authorities in an investigation into “alleged illegal betting activity.”
Zaniolo was left out of Italy’s team during the international break, missing matches against Malta and England as a result. The Villa midfielder, on loan from Turkish side Galatasaray, will, however, be available for selection against West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday.
“Aston Villa can confirm Nicolo Zaniolo is assisting the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the relevant authorities in their investigation into alleged illegal betting activity,” Villa stated in a statement on Friday. The player has also visited with senior club officials.
“Zaniolo is training with the first-team squad as usual and is available for selection ahead of this weekend’s match against West Ham United.” During this ongoing procedure, the club will make no additional comments.”
Zaniolo was listed last week as one of the players being investigated by the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office and the FIGC as part of an Italian football betting investigation. Sandro Tonali, a Newcastle United midfielder, was another, with the Magpies noting that the player is completely cooperating with the investigation.
“Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is under investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity,” the club stated in a statement on Wednesday.
“Sandro is fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and is fully engaged in the investigation.”
“He and his family will continue to receive full support from the club.”
“Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.”
Meanwhile, Juventus has offered their support for midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, who was banned for seven months for violating betting rules. This Monday, Fagioli had five months of a one-year penalty deferred and was fined 12,500 euros (£10,848), while agreeing to a six-month rehabilitation plan to address his gambling addiction.
Juventus stated on their official website, “The club has noted the official press release from the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) and confirms its full support for Nicolo Fagioli in tackling this path, providing the player with the necessary support in carrying out the indicated therapeutic plan and, as expressly provided for in the agreement, collaborating with the Federation to outline the scheduled appointments.”
“We are firmly convinced that Nicolo, with the support of the club, his team-mates, his family and the professionals who will assist him, will face the therapeutic and training process with a great sense of responsibility and, once the disqualification has been served, will be able to return to competing with due serenity.”
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