Sandro Tonali is in the eye of the storm. The Italian midfielder, who admitted to having bet on AC Milan matches when he played there, is in the process of being suspended for ten months by the Italian authorities according to Sky Italia. If this sanction takes effect, the Newcastle player will not play again for the season and may even miss Euro 2024, if Italy qualifies.
This very probable suspension of Tonali follows that imposed on Juventu midfielder Nicolo Fagioli. The latter had, like Tonali, admitted to having been the author of illegal bets. The Italian football federation “only” suspended the Italian international for seven months because Fagioli agreed to receive treatment to treat his gambling addiction.
These decisions do not satisfy Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi. On October 20, the politician declared on the transalpine channel Rai 1 that he would not take a dim view of the definitive exclusion of the players involved in this sports betting scandal from the Italian selection.
“Being selected for the Italian team, in my opinion, must express the footballing value of a player and also his moral value. No longer playing for the national team does not mean no longer being a football player, but being one in another way. This is a question that must be asked,” said Abodi.
“It is no coincidence that the Italian federation organizes, has organized and will organize training for all players of all national teams so that they become aware of their duties. They are reference points for what they do on and off the field. If this is not taken into account, it is high treason,” added the Italian minister. Also targeted in this affair, AS Roma striker Stephan El Shaarawy, reacted on Sunday following the home victory of the Louve club against Monza (1-0).