Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli banned for seven months for betting on illegal platforms

Fagioli is one of a number of Italian players involved in controversy

Sky Sports Italia reported that the Italian international has received the ban after prosecutors in Turin looked into allegations that he has been betting on unlicensed online outlets.

It follows after a number of other high profile Italian names, Including Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo were also involved in controversies.

On Monday, Corriere dello Sport reported that Fagioli was prepared to negotiate with the FIGC [Italian league] prosecutor Giuseppe Chine to try and secure a reduced punishment.

Italian athletes are not allowed to bet on sports they are involved in, as per the nation's rules and if found guilty, can face worldwide bans for up to three years.

There were also reports that Union Berlin defender, and former Juventus teammate of Fagioli Leandro Bonucci, was aware of the midfielder's gambling habits.

While there is no evidence of Bonucci gambling himself, phone conversations revealed to the prosecutors he was one of many who knew Fagioli liked to gamble.

As for Zaniolo, Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the Aston Villa loanee may have played blackjack and poker on illegal platforms but he didn't realise they were illegal and he didn't bet on football at all.

His lawyer told the paper: "Nicolo never bet. He also told me this. It is possible he played card games such as poker and blackjack on illegal online platforms, without knowing that they were [illegal]. We will clarify everything."

Tonali's agent meanwhile revealed that the former AC Milan star is suffering from a gambling addiction and is seeking help: "Sandro suffers from gambling addiction. He’s fighting to avoid that and I’m sure he will win this difficult game.

“He is in shock, he is 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.

“Sandro is training, and on Saturday he could also play.

“He understood that he has to face this problem in a determined way. The club is absolutely at the moment on his side.”

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