Crying In Front Of Police, Tonali And Zaniolo Claim To Be Gambling

The Italian team's training atmosphere was abandoned by Sandro Tonali and NicoloZaniolo. (Twitter @Azzurri)

JAKARTA - The duo players of the Italian national team, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo, turned out to be playing sports gambling. The two of them cried in front of the police when making a confession regarding illegal acts. They were questioned while undergoing national team training at the training camp in Coverciano.

Yes, Tonali and Zaniolo joined the national team after receiving a call from coach Luciano Spalletti. They and the team are prepared to play two Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Malta and England.

Only the team's preparation was disturbed by the emergence of the football gambling case by players. Moreover, this scandal turned out to involve two national team players.

They are said to be placing bets for the team they are strengthening. Things that are prohibited or illegal in European football because they can affect the outcome of the match.

Previously, investigative officers had investigated Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli for soccer gambling. After finishing with Fagioli, the police then visited the national team's training headquarters to inspect Tonali and Zaniolo.

From the examination, they had cried in front of the officers and admitted that they were playing gambling. However, both of them stated that they did not place a bet in football matches.

Both Tonali, who are currently playing for Newcastle United and Zaniolo who defend Aston Villa, admit that they only play blackjack anddesy. They also denied ever talking to Fagioli about soccer gambling.

After conducting the examination, the police then confiscated the two players' cellphones and tablets as part of the investigation.

It did not stop there, the Italian football federation (FIGC) decided to cross out Zanilo and Tonali on suspicion of gambling. They were sent home to their respective clubs to facilitate further investigation.

The heated football gambling scandal is estimated to involve not only two or three players.

According to information, there are no less than 10 players from Italian Serie clubs who have participated in the soccer gambling scandal. Most recently, Roma defender Nicola Zalewski is said to be involved in soccer gambling.

Zalewski is a product of Roma's youth coaching system. He has also played with Zaniolo in the Roma first team.

Since entering the Giallorossi squad in 2021, Zalewski has played 79 times. Despite playing as a full back, he has scored two goals and made four assists.

Football gambling becomes a scandal when football players do it. The reason is, playing sports gambling, especially football, is a prohibition for footballers.

This can clearly affect the outcome of the match. If the players who are currently under investigation are found guilty, they will be severely punished. At least they were sentenced to a three-year ban from playing.

Even Zaniolo is said to be getting the heaviest sanki. The reason is, he not only placed a bet in football matches but was also actively involved in gambling arrangements.

Zaniolo's rebuttal that he was just gambling by playingasy and blackjack is also doubtful.

Because Zanoli is said to have placed a bet for Roma's match in the Coppa Italia. And, he entered the squad that competed.

In addition, Zaniolo once placed a bet while sitting on the bench or when it was not taken down.

At that time he was declared 'injured' so he could not appear. Likewise, if he doesn't visit the squad in Rome's match and watch it on television.