Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo, both Italy internationals, departed from the Azzuri’s headquarters on Thursday after being informed by prosecutors that they are involved in an investigation, as confirmed by the country’s football federation.
While training at the national team’s facility in Coverciano for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Malta and England, the players, who represent Newcastle and Aston Villa, respectively, were notified about the inquiry by Turin prosecutors.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) did not provide specific details about the investigation, but did mention that both midfielders were allowed to return home due to their current emotional state being unfit for upcoming matches. The federation release stated: “The federation announces that this afternoon the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office has conducted investigations into players, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo 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.”
Nicolò Zaniolo in action for Italy in September.
Photograph: Nicola Marfisi/AGF/Shutterstock
Turin prosecutors announced on Wednesday that they are investigating Nicolò Fagioli, another Italian footballer, for suspected involvement in illegal betting activities. Fagioli is currently under a separate investigation by FIGC prosecutors to determine if his alleged gambling is related to football matches.
Tonali, who transferred from Milan to Newcastle for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £55m in July, and Zaniolo, who joined Villa on loan from Galasataray in August, are now free to address these investigations with their respective clubs.
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