SANDRO TONALI is reportedly trying to strike a plea deal with authorities amid the shock betting allegations against him but still faces a lengthy ban.
Newcastle United’s £60m summer signing from AC Milan and fellow Italian international Nicolo Zaniolo were officially put under investigation last week.
GettySandro Tonali is allegedly attempting to strike a plea deal with Italian authorities[/caption]
The duo were both questioned by police while on international duty last week before pulling out of the squad.
Italy’s Il Corriere della Sera stated that, 23, was in tears and has hired a therapist to try and help him with a gambling addiction.
Now La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that the midfielder is ready to “collaborate” with FIGC and Turin Prosecutors in the investigation.
They claim that he will reveal all he knows about the betting scandal and which events he gambled on.
Juventus star Nicolo Fagioli, who was the first player to be investigated in the scandal, has also adopted the same policy.
Gazzetta say that both Tonali and Fagioli gambled on football games, which breaches Article 24 of the Code of Sporting Justice.
Should that be proven, then they could face a minimum ban of three years from playing – although a plea bargain could halve that suspension.
Fagioli’s case is allegedly set to be heard by FIGC Prosecutor Giuseppe Chine for the final time this week and then he looks likely to be hit with a ban from 10 to 18 months.
That punishment will be more lenient due to the 22-year-old’s instant collaboration with authorities.
However, this update from Gazzetta says that the sanctions for Tonali and others involved could be higher as FIGC want to send a “strong signal” to others.
It is also believed to still be unclear whether Tonali gambled on Milan games while still at the club.
Investigators continue to analyse mobile phones and tablets belonging to the Newcastle ace and Aston Villa loanee Zaniolo, 24.
But, if Tonali’s information matches what the investigation discovers on his devices, then the ex-Brescia man is likely to get an 18 month suspension.
This update also claims that the investigation will still “take a few months to complete” which means that he and Toon boss Eddie Howe will face an anxious wait to discover what his punishment will be.
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