AC Milan Coach Denies Knowing of Tonali Gambling Problem Prior to $70M Sale
Stefano Pioli, manager of Italian association football monster AC Milan, has insisted the Seria A society knew null of justificatory midfielder Sandro Tonali’s gambling issues prior to his displace to Newcastle-upon-Tyne United.
In October, the participant was banned from soccer for 10 months, just now Little Joe months after his high-profile move to Newcastle. That’s after he admitted to betting on games – including those he participated inwards — via illegal gambling sites, a violation of Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and English Football Association (FA) rules.
Newcastle paid £55million (US$70 million) for the 23-year-old inward the summer, the highest of all time for an Italian soccer player. But bludgeon executives might feature thought twice if they knew he came with baggage – or at least demanded a discount. The lodge has refused to remark on whether it intends to accept effectual action mechanism against Milan.
‘Great Deal’
But Pioli told the media Tuesday he had no more inkling of any problem and relieve believes Newcastle-upon-Tyne got a “great deal.”
“No, i didn’t cognise anything most Sandro’s problem,” Pioli said. “He was polite, respected, and gave honor to others, and was a sensible boy. Even if i cerebrate i hold a close, open up relationship with a player, I don’t only mouth around football. But what they manage outside, i don’t cognize everything about them.”
Pioli was speaking at a pressure group discussion before of Milan’s Champions League friction at Newcastle on Wed night.
Tonali’s gaming habits were uncovered during an investigating past Italian law into illegal online gambling with links to organized crime.
Investigators questioned him and buster Italian international Nicolo Zaniolo at Italy’s training camp on Oct 12 as the team prepared for a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against England.
Zaniolo, who plays for the EPL’s Aston Villa, denied betting on games. But he admitted to playing online stove poker and blackjack, although he told police force he didn’t live the sites he used were illegal.
‘Traumatic’ Investigation
Both players were sent home from the training cantonment and have got not played for their country since. Italy’s top dog coach Luciano Spalletti described the receive as “traumatic.”
Tonali was cladding a maximum three-year forbiddance from the feature under FIGC rules, but his attorney was capable to secure a plea sell for the player. This involves eighter months of rehab activities and at to the lowest degree 16 public appearances inwards financial backing of job play programs.
Also inwards October, Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli was prohibited for heptad months as component part of a closure with the FIGC after breaching rules surrounding betting on matches.
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