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Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali Unwittingly Draws Focus in Expanded Italian Illegal Betting Inquiry
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has become an unexpected central figure in the expanding Italian investigation into unlawful online gambling, though sources indicate he will not face further sanctions. This development arises as Italian authorities probe alleged illegal betting activities, with Tonali’s devices providing key insights.
New Players Implicated in Betting Probe
Reports originating from Corriere della Sera in Italy suggest that a dozen additional players, including several prominent current and former Serie A stars, have been identified in a fresh inquiry by the Milan prosecutor’s office. Investigators reportedly gained leads to these individuals through analysis of Tonali’s mobile phone records and communications.
The ongoing probe is scrutinizing alleged betting activity occurring between December 2021 and October 2023. Importantly, initial findings suggest that the individuals under scrutiny are not suspected of wagering on football matches.
Tonali’s Prior Ban and the Current Investigation
Tonali, along with fellow Italian international Nicolo Fagioli, previously received suspensions in 2023 for betting infractions, which included placing bets on football. Tonali’s ten-month suspension concluded in August, after which he has made 45 appearances for Newcastle and the Italian national team.
This latest phase of the investigation is understood to be centered on the utilization of illicit platforms for online poker and casino games, rather than football betting itself.
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Information Extracted from Tonali’s Devices
Sources within Italy indicate that the identities of the newly suspected individuals – among them Juventus players Weston McKennie and Mattia Perin, Roma’s Leandro Paredes, Fiorentina’s Nicolo Zaniolo, and Milan’s Alessandro Florenzi – surfaced from data extracted during interviews with Tonali and Fagioli, and through the examination of their personal mobile devices.
Players Under Scrutiny
The analysis of Tonali’s phone by Italian authorities is believed to have directed investigators towards the other players now under scrutiny. This makes the Newcastle player an inadvertent link in the widening investigation, rather than a renewed target of the inquiry.
Others reportedly being investigated include:
- Raoul Bellanova (Atalanta)
- Samuele Ricci (Torino)
- Matteo Cancellieri (Parma)
- Cristian Buonaiuto (formerly of Cremonese)
- Junior Firpo (Leeds United)
- Matteo Gigante (tennis player)
Focus on Unauthorised Platforms, Limited Penalties Expected
To date, there has been no indication of illicit activity related to football match betting among this new group of individuals. If these reports are substantiated, the ramifications are expected to be minimal. The criminal sanction for engaging with unapproved betting platforms is reportedly a fine of only €250.
However, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) retains the option to initiate a separate sporting investigation into these matters.