Newcastle United and Italy attacking midfielder SandroTonali on Thursday got a 10-month playing ban for gambling on illegal platforms and on his former club AC Milan, plus eight months in accessory sanctions, after a plea bargain with the Italian soccer federation (FIGC), FIGC sources said.
The 23-year-old from Lodi near Milan, who joined the Magpies in the close season, admitted his problem gambling and is seeking help.
He is the second Italy player to be banned for gambling after 22-year-old Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli who got a seven month ban from playing plus five months accessory sanctions last week.
Accessory sanctions entail following a gambling addiction programme and speaking out to young people about the issue, telling them not to emulate the players.
Aston Villa and Italy attacking midfielder Niccolò Zaniolo, the 24-year-old former Roma and Galatasaray forward, is set to be questioned in the scandal and appears set for a ban too.
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