Around a dozen Serie A footballers are under investigation in a new illegal sports betting probe, sources said on Friday. The investigation focuses on betting activity up to 2023, police confirmed.
Newcastle and ex-Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali, and Fiorentina and ex-Juve midfielder Nicolò Fagioli, allegedly acted as bet collectors. Police said both had already served bans for betting and now face fresh allegations in the ongoing Milan investigation.
Fagioli and Tonali allegedly earned bonuses on their gaming accounts and had debts reduced in return for their role. They are also being investigated for allegedly advertising illegal betting platforms among fellow players.
The other players named are currently considered “mere gamblers,” not involved in promotion or collection roles.
These include Juventus and USA midfielder Weston McKennie, and Fiorentina winger Nicolò Zaniolo, formerly with Roma, Aston Villa and Galatasaray.
Also under investigation are Atalanta right wing-back Raoul Bellanova and ex-Juventus winger Ángel Di María, now playing for Benfica.
Police said players used illegal betting and poker platforms and promoted them among peers.
Up to 20 athletes being investigated
The sports betting probe documents reportedly list many additional names, including AC Milan defender Alessandro Florenzi.
Others include Juventus reserve goalkeeper Mattia Perin, Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci, and Roma’s Leandro Paredes, an Argentina international.
In total, twenty athletes, mostly footballers, are being investigated as gamblers.
They allegedly paid gambling debts by wiring money to a jewellery store under the pretence of buying Rolex watches.
The money remained with the betting organisers, while the players left only with fake invoices.
Prosecutors believe the players were initially given credit by betting operators, then steered to the store once debts grew.
