Police quiz Newcastle's Tonali and Aston Villa’s Zaniolo over alleged illegal betting as pair leave Italy squad

PREMIER LEAGUE stars Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo have been questioned by Italian authorities over alleged illegal betting.

The two left the Italy national team training camp on Thursday after speaking to the police.

They were reportedly accompanied by Gianluigi Buffon while being questioned.

An official statement from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) read: "The Federation communicates that, in the late afternoon today, the Turin Public Prosecutor's Office notified investigation documents to the players Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo, currently in training with the national team at the Federal Technical Centre of Coverciano.

"Regardless of the nature of the acts, believing that in this situation the two players are not in the necessary condition to face the commitments scheduled in the next few days, the Federation has decided to allow their return to their clubs, even at protection of the same."

Tonali is now set to return to Newcastle, while Zaniolo will go back to Aston Villa, where he is currently on loan from Galatasaray.

The Prem pair could both be hit by lengthy bans if the betting allegations - which are in breach of Italian FA rules - are proven true.

Zaniolo is claimed to have placed bets on matches involving his former club Roma when he was a player under Jose Mourinho.

A third player, Juventus midfielder Nicolas Fagioli, is also under investigation but he is not a member of the Italy squad.

Italian regulations are far stricter than those under the FA's jurisdiction and a potential three year ban is in the offing if guilt is found.

Tonali and Zaniolo will now miss Italy's upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and England.

Italy face Malta in Bari tomorrow before travelling to London to take on the Three Lions at Wembley on Tuesday.

The Azzurri currently sit second in the Group C standings, six points behind Gareth Southgate's side having played one game less.

England last faced Italy in March, when they clinched a 2-1 win.

Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 13th minute before captain Harry Kane extended the advantage from the penalty spot just before half time.

Mateo Retegui got one back for the Italians in the second half, but it was not enough to get anything from the match.