ASTON VILLA star Nicolo Zaniolo has been accused of running a betting ring, according to reports.
The Italian was questioned by police alongside Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali on Thursday while on international duty.
Zaniolo and Tonali pulled out of the Italy squad after speaking to cops.
They are now set to report back to their respective clubs.
According to Italian agency ANSA, Zaniolo has been accused of violating Article 4 of law 401/98 regarding gambling.
Violating this law, as is alleged, would mean that the 24-year-old has been illegally running a betting ring.
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He is also accused by Dillinger News of betting on a Roma match in which he did not play.
The investigation is ongoing.
Italian paper La Repubblica claim that Zaniolo and Tonali have denied betting on football, instead claiming that their bets were only placed on blackjack and poker.
Juventus ace Nicolo Fagioli, not part of the Italy squad, is accused of betting more than €1million (£865,000).
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If found guilty he could be banned for three years, while also being fined €25,000 (£21,700).
An official statement from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Thursday read: “The Federation communicates that, in the late afternoon today, the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office notified investigation documents to the players Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo, currently in training with the national team at the Federal Technical Centre of Coverciano.
“Regardless of the nature of the acts, believing that in this situation the two players are not in the necessary condition to face the commitments scheduled in the next few days, the Federation has decided to allow their return to their clubs, even at protection of the same.”
Aston Villa and Nicolo Zaniolo’s representatives have declined to comment.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
