Testosterone is a hormone that has the ability to increase muscular growth and strength. Athletes who utilize it get an unfair edge over those who do not, undermining the sport’s fairness and integrity. Recently, Juventus player Paul Pogba was charged with using testosterone and has temporarily been suspended. The Italian police have launched another investigation into Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo in relation to illegal digital betting platforms. These examples of ongoing efforts are to protect the integrity of sports and eliminate various forms of deception.
Nicolo is in full denial of the allegation, while Sandro Tonali prepares to meet with prosecutors for a ‘plea bargain’. These developments underscore the seriousness with which such issues are treated in the world of professional sports in Italy.
Luciano Spalletti discusses Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo’s departure
The “traumatic” departures of Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo from the team amid reports that they are subjects of an investigation into illegal betting, according to Italy’s national team manager Luciano Spalletti, had a significant impact on the team’s players.
Both players withdrew from the squad, which means they will not participate in the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier against England at Wembley. The news of the investigation by the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office has had a significant impact on the players and the team’s preparations for the match.
Speaking further on the Sandro Tonali and Zaniolo situation, Spalletti said;
“We had almost a whole day when we said goodbye to them, and we were able to give them a hug before they went home.
“The players themselves were absolutely distraught because when you’re part of a national team, everyone is very tight, and after the results you can get, it’s the one thing you can keep for life, the lasting relationships.”
He went further to say, “Gambling is a form of temptation, It’s vice, and these things happen, and we are committed to speaking to these players.”
“We will continue to keep an eye on them, and we’ll try to provide them with all the help and support that we can to make sure they can go back to do what they enjoy the most,” Spalletti concluded.
Why are Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo under investigation?
The police have questioned Nicolo Zaniolo of Aston Villa and Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United at Italy’s Coverciano training facility as part of an investigation into unauthorized digital betting platforms.
As a result of this investigation, both players have been given leave from their international duties with Italy, who are getting ready to play against Malta in Bari and England at Wembley. The investigation is a significant development and has led to their absence from the national team.
A statement from the Italian Football Association (FICG) explaining the situation came after La Stampa published a story on Wednesday that Nicolo Fagioli had been placed under investigation. The statement explicitly gives insight into the situation, and it reads:
“The Federation announces that this afternoon the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office has conducted investigations into players Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo, who are currently training with the national team at the Coverciano Federal Training Centre.
“Regardless of the nature of the events, considering that the two players are not in the necessary condition to face the matches scheduled for the next few days, the Federation has decided, also for their protection, to allow them to return to their respective clubs.”
However, it is important to note that, in Italy, gambling is legal as long as it is conducted on platforms that are officially recognized by the Customs and Monopolies agency. Engaging in gambling through unlicensed means can result in legal consequences, including potential penalties such as a three-month prison sentence or fines ranging from €51,000 ($53,686) to €516,000.
The legal framework in Italy is designed to regulate and control the gambling industry while deterring illicit or unauthorized gambling activities.
