This latest development comes hot on the heels of Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli’s admission that he too is part of the betting investigation.
Fagioli reportedly voluntarily surrendered to the authorities as part of this ongoing probe, where he faces allegations of using unregulated betting websites.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed that the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office is actively investigating Tonali (pictured) and Zaniolo.
The FIGC also stated that the two players, who were training with the Italian national team at the Coverciano Federal Training Centre in Florence, have been allowed to return to their respective clubs.
The FIGC noted that they were “not in the necessary condition to face the matches scheduled for the next few days,” and the federation has therefore decided, “also for their protection,” to allow them to return to their respective clubs.
Tonali, who is a midfielder with Newcastle United, joined the club from AC Milan in July.Zaniolo, meanwhile, plays as an attacking midfielder at Aston Villa on loan from Galatasaray.
The alleged bets were placed when they still played in Serie A, with Milan and Roma, respectively.
Strict betting rules
All players in Italy are strictly prohibited from betting on any football events associated with the FIGC, FIFA, and UEFA.
Under the FIGC’s code of conduct, a player found to have bet on football matches risks being banned for at least three years and fined at least €25,000.
Moreover, any sanctions imposed by the FIGC could potentially extend globally through FIFA.
Earlier this year, Brentford striker Ivan Toney admitted to 232 breaches of the Football Association’s betting rules.
He was subsequently fined £50,000 and handed an eight-month ban.
