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Much of the reaction in Italy towards players involved in the betting scandal has been one of sympathy.

Juventus’ Nicolo Fagioli has agreed agreed a seven month ban from the game after a plea bargain, with five months of rehabilitation activities.

Sandro Tonali, who moved from AC Milan to Newcastle United in the last summer window, could get a longer ban. The Italian media have repeatedly explained that the Newcastle midfielder is likely looking at a harsher punishment because it’s stated he’s bet on Milan.

Those in charge at the Magpies have come out in support of Tonali, with fans also showing him their affection at the weekend.

When the story was initially released, the player’s camp quickly revealed he’d been suffering from a gambling addiction and would get treatment for that.

The reaction in Italy has been sympathetic, but Paolo Di Canio has quite clearly had enough of that. Now working as a pundit for Sky Italia, he made his thoughts clear at the weekend whilst staring straight down the camera.

Calciomercato quote him as saying: “Give me a fixed camera. You are idiots! If you bet on football you’re empty, you’re stupid. There’s no need to justify those who bet!”