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.
The 23-year-old was removed from the Italy national team camp last Friday along with Nicolo Zaniolo of Aston Villa due to an investigation by Italian prosecutors into potential illicit betting.
Tonali briefly went to Newcastle on Monday to train with the club after being questioned by the police, but he has now traveled back to Italy in order to face a hearing at the prosecutor’s office at the Court of Turin on Tuesday afternoon.
According to recent sources, Tonali is reportedly seeing a therapist for a gambling problem. He is anticipated to confess to the charges against him in front of the prosecution in an effort to get his potentially lengthy suspension from football shortened.
If found guilty of breaking Italian betting laws, Tonali and Zaniolo could receive a three-year suspension.
Following a plea agreement with Italian prosecutors, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Tuesday that Juventus and Italy midfielder Nicolo Fagioli had been given a seven-month suspension from football as part of the ongoing investigation into illicit betting.
The FIGC responded to Tonali and Zaniolo’s absence from the Italy national team roster by claiming that both players are “not in the necessary condition” to participate for their nation in Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta, whom Italy defeated 4-0 on Saturday, and England on Tuesday.
“As a human being, I feel for the two players; they are like children to me,” FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said during a speech at a gathering at the Italian consulate in London. These boys are too little to be condemned. Gambling addiction is a social scourge, not a football issue. I can tell you that anyone asks for assistance will receive it.
“Anyone who committed a mistake will be penalized and assisted in a project for rehabilitation and recovery. These people need to be set on the road to recovery. We must guarantee that these kids may return. These boys won’t be abandoned by us. Ever.”
At the same event, Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso applauded Gravina’s remarks and revealed that the Newcastle midfielder is battling a gambling problem.
“I was very pleased with the speech of the (FIGC) president Gravina, it is important for these kids not to feel alone,” stated Riso.
“Sandro Tonali is currently competing in the most crucial match—the one against gambling addiction—and he will triumph in it as well.
“Anyone who committed a mistake will be penalized and assisted in a project for rehabilitation and recovery. These people need to be set on the road to recovery. We must guarantee that these kids may return. These boys won’t be abandoned by us. Ever.”
At the same event, Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso applauded Gravina’s remarks and revealed that the Newcastle midfielder is battling a gambling problem.
“I was very pleased with the speech of the (FIGC) president Gravina, it is important for these kids not to feel alone,” stated Riso.
“Sandro Tonali is currently competing in the most crucial match—the one against gambling addiction—and he will triumph in it as well.
He is currently a little stunned. I’m hoping that this game can save Sandro’s life and serve as a role model for other boys. Sandro is distraught and depressed.
“He has realized that he must approach this issue with great determination. He is aware that he must find a solution to this issue.
Tonali’s backing from Newcastle has also been acknowledged by Riso, who also asserted that Tonali ‘may play’ in Saturday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace despite the ongoing investigation.
“I thank Newcastle because they immediately showed great closeness,” Ruso said. “He is now working out (at Newcastle). He claimed to have excellent training. He can compete on 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.
