Juventus midfielder Fagioli banned for seven months over gambling offence

The Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli has been handed a seven-month ban as part of a settlement with the Italian football federation (FIGC) after breaching rules surrounding betting on matches, the governing body said on Tuesday.

Fagioli was banned for 12 months, of which five months were suspended, and fined €12,500 (£10,843). He has also agreed to a treatment programme for gambling problems. 

The 22-year-old has been placed under investigation by prosecutors in Turin for allegedly betting on illegal websites.

Under FIGC rules, a player found to have bet on matches could have been banned for at least three years but Fagioli has had more lenient treatment after admitting his offence to the authorities.

As part of his punishment, he will have to speak of his experiences in at least 10 sessions with amateur sporting organisations and with groups helping gambling addicts.

Fagioli has made one appearance for Italy but is not in the squad for the current round of international games.

Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo left the national team’s headquarters last week after they were also told they were involved in an investigation by prosecutors.

Tonali’s agent, Beppe Riso, said on Tuesday that his client had a gambling addiction and was sad and in shock at how matters had unfolded. Riso said the 23-year-old was determined to overcome the problem and thanked Newcastle for their support. 

He said Tonali could feature against Crystal Palace on Saturday.