Last week, Italy released Aston Villa’s Nicolò Zaniolo from the squad after the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office conducted an investigation into players and illegal betting companies.
Zaniolo is one of the Italian players under investigation for and today’s Gazzetta dello Sport provides his stance on these allegations.
It’s said the defensive strategy used by the Aston Villa player is different when compared to the others and the outcome could also be different.
Gazzetta say the 24-year-old ‘does not back down’ and has ‘never admitted’ to betting on football matches, something he has reiterated to his family, agent and even Aston Villa.
The winger claims he has played online games such as Blackjack whilst being unaware those were on illegal sites, and his lawyers are using these lines to prepare his defence. The report adds the Federal Prosecutor’s Office hasn’t summoned Zaniolo yet despite opening a case on him.
Gazzetta say Zaniolo’s lawyers will have a meeting with the Turin prosecutors today with regards to the phone and tablets seized from their client.
The newspaper adds that he’ll have a face-to-face meeting today with Aston Villa.
The Villans have believed the Italian in good faith but want to make sure they don’t take any risks.
Zaniolo is standing firm with his stance and Gazzetta hope that no ‘skeletons’ appear when the investigators go through the electronic devices. Others involved are expected to try and reach deals with the authorities, whereas the Aston Villa player is standing firm.
The Italian newspaper reports there’s some concern in people around Zaniolo that he may have sent a ‘light’ private message or two in the past, alluding to the gambling and perhaps incriminating himself, and since forgotten about it. That, however, is just a concern and there’s nothing to suggest it will be the case.
