Nicolo Zaniolo STARTS for Aston Villa against West Ham despite leaving Italy’s camp to face questions from authorities amid the ongoing investigation into the Italian football betting scandal
Nicolo Zaniolo has been included in Aston Villa’s starting line-up despite an ongoing investigation into illegal gambling.
The on-loan Aston Villa is one of three players named in the investigation being carried out by prosecutors, alongside Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Juventus’ Nicolo Fagioli – who has since been banned for seven months.
Villa confirmed that Zaniolo is assisting the investigation and has met with senior club officials and has been training normally. He started in midfield for Villa against West Ham on Sunday.
The match against West Ham was the Italian’s tenth appearance for the club after joining on loan from Galatasaray in the summer.
More than forty players are suspected of being involved in the gambling scandal that has rocked Italian football.
Nicolo Zaniolo (right) started for Aston Villa against West Ham on Sunday, despite an ongoing investigation into illegal gambling
The Italian midfielder has cooperated with investigations but it could have been his last game for the club
The 24-year-old has received a positive reception from Villa Park fans as calls mount for more support to be given to those suffering from gambling addiction.
Tonali received a hero’s welcome at St James’ Park on Saturday when he came on as a substitute for Newcastle against Crystal Palace and completed a lap of honor at full-time.
Eddie Howe revealed it was his idea to send Tonali ahead of his teammates during the post-match lap of honour, as the 24-year-old awaits news of a long-term ban on illegal gambling.
Sandro Tonali is another player named in the investigation who faces a long-term football ban
The Italian led a lap of honor by the Newcastle players after the victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon
If the 23-year-old is found guilty he will be banned by Italian authorities for at least a year and that could happen as early as this week, meaning the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace could be his last game at St James’ Park . until next season.
Zaniolo’s appearance against West Ham could also be his last game, possibly for the club as his stay was only temporary anyway.
Fagioli, Zaniolo and Tonali had their phones and devices all seized by police, while the latter two had to leave Italy’s international training camp during the international break to answer questions.
Tonali’s lawyers will reportedly travel to Rome on Monday to negotiate a settlement after the midfielder ‘admitted to betting on football matches’.