Nicolo Zaniolo statement released by Aston Villa amid 'illegal betting' probe

Aston Villa have confirmed that Nicolo Zaniolo is assisting the authorities in relation to an investigation into "alleged illegal betting activity".

Zaniolo was withdrawn from the Italy squad during the international break, and missed the matches against Malta and England as a result. However, the Villa midfielder, on loan from Turkish club Galatasaray, will be available for selection for Sunday's Premier League match against West Ham United.

Villa said in a statement on Friday: "Aston Villa can confirm Nicolo Zaniolo is assisting the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the relevant authorities’ investigation into alleged illegal betting activity. The player has also met with senior officials at the club.

"Zaniolo is training as normal with the first-team squad and available for selection ahead of this weekend’s match with West Ham United. No further comment will be made by the club during this ongoing process."

Zaniolo was one of the players named last week who were being investigated by the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office and the FIGC as part of an Italian football betting probe. Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali was another, with the Magpies confirming that the player is fully co-operating with the enquiry.

The club said in a statement on Wednesday: “Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity.

“Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities.

“He and his family will continue to receive the club’s full support.

“Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.”

Meanwhile, Juventus have pledged their support for midfielder Nicolo Fagioli after he was banned for seven months for breaching betting rules. Fagioli had five months of a one-year ban suspended this week and was fined 12,500 euros (£10,848), while he agreed to a therapy plan of at least six months to tackle his gambling problem.

Juventus said in a statement on their official website: “The club has noted the official press release from the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) and confirms its full support for Nicolo Fagioli in tackling this path, providing the player with the necessary support in carrying out the indicated therapeutic plan and, as expressly provided for in the agreement, collaborating with the Federation to outline the scheduled appointments.

“We are firmly convinced that Nicolo, with the support of the club, his team-mates, his family and the professionals who will assist him, will face the therapeutic and training process with a great sense of responsibility and, once the disqualification has been served, will be able to return to competing with due serenity.”