Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United has a gambling addiction, according to his agent, who also disclosed that the Italian midfielder is dealing with a police investigation and possible suspension from football.
Recent reports have claimed that Tonali is seeing a therapist for a gambling addiction, and he is expected to denounce himself in front of prosecutors in an attempt to see his potential lengthy ban from football cut short.
Under regulations in Italy, Tonali and Zaniolo could face a three-year ban if they are found guilty of breaching betting rules.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed on Tuesday that Juventus and Italy midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has been handed a seven-month ban from football as part of the same probe into illegal betting, after agreeing a plea bargain with Italian prosecutors.
In response to Tonali and Zaniolo’s withdrawal from the Italy national team squad, the FIGC stated that both players are “not in the necessary condition” to represent their country in Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta – who Italy beat 4-0 on Saturday – and England on Tuesday.
Speaking at an event at the Italian embassy in London, FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said: “As a human being I feel for the two players, they are like children to me. We should not condemn these young boys. Gambling addiction is not a football problem, it’s a social plague. I assure you that whoever is asking for help we will help.
“Whoever made a mistake will be punished and helped in a healing and recovery project. We need to put these people on a path to recovery. We have to make sure these children can come back. We will not abandon these boys. Ever.”
Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso praised Gravina comments at the same event and confirmed that the Newcastle midfielder is battling with a gambling addiction.
“I was very pleased with the speech of the (FIGC) president Gravina, it is important for these kids not to feel alone,” said Riso.
“Sandro Tonali is playing the most important match at the moment, the one against gambling addiction, and he will win this one too.
“At the moment he is a bit in shock. I hope this match saves the life of Sandro and be an example for other boys too. Sandro is shaken, he is very sad.
“He has understood that he has to face this problem in a very determined way. He has to deal with this problem, he knows he has to get out.”
Riso has also thanked Newcastle for offering their support to Tonali and has claimed that the midfielder ‘could play’ in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace despite the ongoing investigation.
“I thank Newcastle because they immediately showed great closeness,” Ruso added. “He is training at the moment (at Newcastle). He told me he trained very well. He can play Saturday.”
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan for around £55m in the summer and has quickly become a first-team regular under manager Eddie Howe, making 10 appearances across all competitions.
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