Illegal betting scandal in Italian football expands

The repercussions of the betting investigation in the country continue to widen. It has been alleged that young Polish midfielder Nicola Zalewski, who plays for Roma, is also involved in the football betting scandal.

Another footballer's name has emerged in the illegal betting scandal that began with Juventus player Nicolo Fagioli and expanded yesterday to include Nicolo Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali.

Fabrizio Corona, known as a celebrity photographer who has been revealing the names of players involved in the betting scandal, claimed in a statement on his website that the fourth footballer involved in the scandal is 21-year-old Polish midfielder Nicola Zalewski, who plays for Serie A side Roma.

Zaniolo and Tonali's smartphones, tablets, and computers have been seized.

According to reports in the Italian press, Nicolo Zaniolo, who was questioned by police at the Italian national team camp yesterday evening alongside his teammate Sandro Tonali, stated that he had accessed a platform without knowing it was illegal, but that he only played some online card games there and did not bet on matches.

Zaniolo and Tonali, whose names were mentioned in the investigation, left the national team camp and returned home following a decision by the Italian Football Federation, while the players' phones, tablets, and computers were also seized.

It has been reported in the press that the devices are being examined to determine whether there are any conversations related to illegal betting.

Fagioli confessed to betting.

Juventus player Nicola Fagioli, the first name to be named and investigated in the illegal betting scandal that has shaken the country's agenda, has chosen to reach a plea agreement with the judiciary and admitted to placing bets.

According to a report by the newspaper Corriere della Sera, 22-year-old Fagioli stated in his testimony to the prosecutor's office that he had placed bets on certain illegal websites.

It is stated that Fagioli could face a three-year ban from football and a fine exceeding 25,000 euros.

In Italy, a player found to have placed bets on football matches can receive a three-year ban.

On the other hand, it was noted that if it is determined that the players named in the illegal betting investigation placed bets on matches involving their own teams, their clubs could also face the risk of receiving penalties.

Spalletti: "If something wrong has been done, the price must be paid"

Italy National Team Head Coach Luciano Spalletti stated in an interview with the Skysport channel that they had a difficult day yesterday due to the police arriving at the national team camp in connection with the betting investigation.

Noting that they had a somewhat different night before an important match in the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers, Spalletti said, "Considering what happened, it was a bit of a different night. The whole team was close to them (Zaniolo and Tonali). We will also be by their side. It is right to help protect them, but it is also right for justice to take its course. If something wrong has been done, the price must be paid."

Spalletti also stated that he must speak with the young players to protect them from this betting trap and that they need to raise awareness.

The "illegal betting investigation," which involves the names of star players from the Italian National Team, has become the country's main agenda and has received extensive coverage in the press.

La Gazzetta dello Sport carried the illegal betting scandal on its front page with the headline "Betting shock in football," Tuttosport with "Poor Italy," and Corriere dello Sport with "Storm in the national team."