JUVENTUS midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has been issued with a seven-month ban for offences related to illegal betting.
The ban is part of a settlement with the Italian football federation (FIGC) after the 22-year-old Italy international breached rules on betting on matches, the FIGC stated today.
Fagioli was given a 12-month ban in total, with five months suspended, and fined €12,500, while he has also agreed to receive treatment to help with his gambling addiction.
The young midfielder has also been placed under investigation by prosecutors in Turin for allegedly betting on illegal websites.
Under the rules of FIGC, a player found to have made bets on football matches could have been banned for at least three years but Fagioli has admitted his offence, which made him eligible for more lenient sanctions.
As part of his punishment, he will have to speak of his experiences in at least 10 sessions with amateur sporting organisations and with groups helping gambling addicts.
Fagioli has one Italy cap but was not included in the squad that lost 3-1 to England in a Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley tonight.
Former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca, now with Atalanta, opened scoring for Italy but England responded with two goals from Harry Kane and a fine Marcus Rashford finish to book their spot in next year’s European Championships in Germany.
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali and Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo left the Italy national team’s camp last week after they were also told by prosecutors that they were involved in an investigation into illegal betting.
