Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli receives seven-month football ban in illegal betting probe

Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has been handed a seven-month ban from football as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal betting.

The FIGC (Italian Football Federation) confirmed the disciplinary action following an inquiry conducted by Turin prosecutors. Alongside the suspension, Fagioli has also been mandated to undergo a six-month therapy program and participate in at least 10 public meetings for those recovering from gambling dependence over the next five months, Eurosport reported.

This set of "alternative provisions" has been established to reduce his on-pitch ban from an initial 12 months. Additionally, Fagioli has been fined €12,500 ($13,163 at current exchange rates).

“The Federal Prosecutor has reached an agreement with the player Nicolo Fagioli following which he will be sanctioned with a suspension of 12 months, five of which are commuted to alternative provisions, and a fine of €12,500, for violating Article 24 of the Sporting Justice Code that prohibits the possibility of placing bets on football events organized by the FIGC, UEFA and FIFA,” FIGC said in a statement.

Notably, Article 24 of the Sporting Justice Code stipulates a minimum three-year ban for players found involved in gambling on football matches. However, Fagioli's punishment was mitigated due to his immediate acknowledgment of guilt and collaboration with investigative authorities.

The investigation has also implicated Newcastle's Sandro Tonali and Aston Villa winger Nicolo Zaniolo.

This development marks a significant setback for Fagioli, a promising young talent for Juventus, who has made six appearances in their eight Serie A games this season.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who earned his first senior Italy cap in November of last year, is set to miss a significant portion of the 2023/24 season. He will become eligible to return for Juventus in the concluding two games of the season, scheduled against Bologna and Monza at the end of May next year.

The fate of the other two players under investigation, Tonali and Zaniolo, remains undetermined, as their cases are not as advanced in the investigative process.