Newcastle United and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali has reportedly seen a therapist to treat a gambling addiction as part of an investigation by Italian prosecutors into alleged illegal betting.
Newcastle United And Italy Midfielder Sandro Tonali reportedly saw a therapist to treat a gambling addiction, as part of an investigation by Italian prosecutors into alleged illegal betting.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced last Friday that Tonali and Aston Villa Nicolas Zaniolo have left the national team and will return to their respective clubs due to the ongoing investigation.
The decision was taken “for their protection”, with both players deemed “not in the necessary conditions” to represent their country in the Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta which Italy beat 4-0 on Saturday and the England next Tuesday.
According to Corriere della SeraTonali and Zaniolo were questioned by police in Coverciano on Friday, and the former returned home to Milan later in the day where he broke down in tears with his family after a sleepless night at the national team camp.
The report adds that Tonali is “scared” and aware that he is in the wrong after breaking the rules, and that he should not have “indulged in certain hobbies.”
Tonali reportedly accepted her agents’ advice to see a therapist to overcome her gambling addiction.
Reuters
The 23-year-old has also reportedly agreed to make himself available to the FIGC to meet younger players to talk about his experiences and explain why they should not follow the same path.
Newcastle reportedly sent a private jet to collect Tonali from Milan on Saturday, with the manager Eddie Howe and the club staff ready to provide all their support to the midfield.
Tonali joined Newcastle in the summer from Milan for 55m and he has slotted in seamlessly into Howe’s midfield, playing 10 games in all competitions, including seven Premier League outings.
The 15-cap Italy international scored on his Premier League debut in a 5-1 win over Aston Villa in August, while he also started the recent triumphs against Manchester City in the EFL Cup and Paris Saint-Germain in the group stage of the Champions League. .
If Tonali and Zaniolo were found guilty of breaking betting rules, both players could be banned from football for three years under Italian regulations.
The investigation involving Tonali and Zaniolo comes at a time when Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli is the subject of a parallel investigation by Italian prosecutors for illegal gambling activities and could face similar punishment.
It remains to be seen whether Tonali will be involved in Newcastle’s next Premier League match at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
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