Nicolo Fagioli banned for seven months over gambling breaches
- Fagioli has admitted to betting on football matches
- Juventus midfielder confessed to authorities immediately
- Sandro Tonali & Nicolo Zaniolo also under investigation
By Tom Gott
The Italian FA have confirmed that Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli will serve a seven-month suspension after being found guilty of betting on football matches.
22-year-old Fagioli is understood to have immediately confessed to authorities when questioned about his gambling, admitting to betting on matches and seeking a plea bargain for assisting the investigation into other Italian footballers.
As a result of his co-operation, Fagioli has received a reduced ban of 12 months, five of which are suspended, meaning the midfielder will not return to action until the end of May at the earliest - the Serie A season is due to conclude on the weekend of May 25.
"The Federal Prosecutor's Office has reached an agreement (pursuant to art. 126 CGS) with the footballer Nicolo Fagioli following which he will be sanctioned with a 12-month disqualification, five of which will be commuted to alternative prescriptions, and a fine of €12,500, for the violation of art.24 of the CGS which prohibits the possibility of placing bets on football events organised by FIGC, UEFA and FIFA," a statement read.
"Regarding alternative prescriptions, Fagioli will have to participate in a therapeutic plan lasting at least six months and in a cycle of at least ten public meetings, to be held within five months, at amateur sports associations, federal territorial centres, recovery centres from gambling addiction, and in any case according to the indications and program proposed by the FIGC..
"The Federal Prosecutor's Office will ensure compliance with what is indicated and, in case of violations, will adopt the measures within its competence, pursuant to the CGS, with termination of the agreement and continuation of the disciplinary proceedings before the sports justice adjudicating bodies."
Fagioli had made six appearances for Juve this season and has 45 outings to his name since his debut in January 2021.
As part of the same investigation, Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali and Aston Villa's Nicolo Zaniolo are both being questioned by authorities.
Tonali's agent has confirmed that the midfielder is suffering from a gambling addiction as he awaits a likely punishment, although further details on the nature of Tonali's bets is needed before a final verdict can be reached.
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