La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is ready to negotiate a plea bargain with FIGC, but is still at risk of a lengthy ban. The 22-year-old was questioned alongside teammate Nicolò Zaniolo at Italy’s training centre Coverciano last week, resulting in the pair being formally investigated by authorities who are looking at the use of alleged illegal gambling platforms.
La Gazzetta report today that Tonali is prepared to work with the FIGC and Turin Prosecutors in the hopes of collaborating to reduce any potential ban that he might face.
Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has also been part of the investigation, and Gazzetta write that he has begun therapy and asked for help with his gambling addiction.
Gazzetta write that both Tonali and Fagioli have admitted to betting on football matches, but Fagioli insists that he never placed bets on matches he featured in. Gazzetta suggest there’s no clarification on Tonali’s situation as yet.
Both players face a maximum ban of three years from football, but that could be halved if they work with the authorities to agree a plea deal.
Fagioli could be banned for up to 10 months, given that he has worked with the Public Prosecutors office, while Tonali could face up to 18 months for his involvement.
