Juventus Football Club have released a statement saying that they ‘immediately and promptly contacted the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) Federal Prosecutor’s Office’ when they learned of Nicolo Fagioli’s possible involvement in the ongoing Italian betting scandal.
It is alleged that the 22-year-old Piacenza-born midfielder is at the centre of an ongoing investigation into illegal betting within Italian football with journalist Fabrizio Corona suggesting that Fagioli owes one illegal bookmaker over 70,000 euros.
Premier League duo, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo, were sent home to their clubs by the Italian national side yesterday with both questioned at Italy’s headquarters, Coverciano, as a result of this investigation.
The aforementioned Corona suggests that there are over 50 players involved in this betting scandal, which reportedly involves players placing bets on matches that they are involved with.
Fagioli made his Juventus debut at the end of the 2020/21 campaign and has gone on to make 39 appearances for The Old Lady so far in his career. He has also earned one cap for the Italian national team.
Both Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo moved to the Premier League this summer, joining UEFA Champions League side Newcastle United and UEFA Europa Conference League team Aston Villa, respectively.
Tonali was a key part of the AC Milan side that reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League before his move to Newcastle, which was believed to be in the region of £55 million. Zaniolo helped Galatasaray win the Turkish Super Lig before Villa’s Sporting Director, Monchi, helped facilitate a season-long loan move to Villa Park.
They were seen accompanied by Italy’s delegation officer, Gianluigi Buffon, to police questioning at Coverciano on Wednesday evening before officially being sent back to their clubs.
The Prosecutor’s Office in Turin has charged Zaniolo with illegally carrying out gaming or betting activities. Fabrizio Corona has also alleged that three Serie A presidents are involved and has also named Roma wing-back Nicola Zalewski as someone involved.
