Baris Seckin
13 October 2023•Update: 14 October 2023
ROME
As the Turin Chief Public Prosecutor's Office continues its investigation into illegal betting, AS Roma's Polish midfielder, Nicola Zalewski, is also alleged to be involved in a football betting scandal.
On Thursday, Nicola Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali were implicated in the illegal betting scandal that originated with Juventus' Nicola Fagioli.
Fabrizio Corona, who disclosed the names of the players involved in the betting scandal, asserted on his website that the fourth player implicated in the scandal was Zalewski.
Police take statements from Zaniolo, Tonali
According to the Italian press, last night the police took statements from Nicolo Zaniolo, along with his teammate Sandro Tonali, at the Italian National Team training camp.
Zaniolo claimed that he logged into a platform that he did not know was illegal, but played some online card games without betting on any football matches.
While the two players left the camp and returned home upon the decision of the Italian Football Federation, their phones, tablets, and computers were also confiscated.
Fagioli admits illegal betting
According to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the first player investigated in the probe, Juventus' Nicola Fagioli, has reached an agreement with the judiciary and confessed to engaging in illegal betting.
It is alleged that the 22-year-old could face a football ban of 3 years and a fine exceeding €25,000 ($26,260).
Right to pay
Italian National Football Team head coach Luciano Spalletti told to Skysport that it was a "difficult night" for the team during the investigation.
"We must try to help them (Zaniolo and Tonali) defend themselves, but it is also right that justice takes its course and, if irregular things have been committed, then it will be right to pay." he added.
Italian sports newspapers La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport both wrote "Betting storm," while Tuttosport reported "Bet Shock" about the illegal betting scandal.
*Writing by Selcuk Bugra Gokalp
