Thursday, October 19, 2023 – Newcastle midfielder, Sandro Tonali’s agent has disclosed that the Italian football star is battling a gambling addiction as he faces a possible ban amid an investigation into illegal betting.
It has been reported that the 23-year-old has revealed his issues to those closest to him and that he is ready to cooperate with authorities. He arrived at the Turin prosecutor’s office on Tuesday.
Sources in Italy say that a ban is likely, with Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli set to be suspended for seven months as part of the same probe into betting on illegal platforms.
He revealed on his return to the San Siro in the Champions League last month that he had struggled to adapt to his new life on Tyneside, admitting he felt ‘lost’ in his early weeks.
Tonali’s performance have been mixed but there was an acceptance that he needed time to develop under Howe. This latest development has the potential to be a major setback for the player and his club.
Italian sources say that, if it is found that Tonali has gambled on matches not involving his own team, then he could negotiate a reduced ban. If bets relate to any team he represented at the time, Milan, Newcastle, or Italy – then the punishment will be more severe.
Tonali and Aston Villa winger Nicolo Zaniolo were released from the Italy squad last Thursday after they were questioned by authorities who seized their phones and devices.
Tonali trained with his Newcastle team-mates on Monday and his agent, Giuseppe Riso, says he could play against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Riso has also revealed that his client is fighting a gambling problem.
‘Sandro is playing an important game against gambling addiction – he will win this one too,’ he said.
‘I’d like to thank Newcastle who have always stood by Sandro. He is in shock, shaken and sad. I hope that this experience saves his life and that of many others, that it helps those who fall into the same habit as him.
Riso added: ‘Sandro is training, and on Saturday he could also play. He understood that he has to face this problem in a strong, determined way. The club is absolutely at this moment by his side.’
.jpg)
-overlay.jpg)
.jpg)
0 Comments