TURIN, Italy: In his first public comments since being implicated in a betting scandal, Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli apologized for a “naive error” and also criticized newspapers for writing what he called was “garbage.”
The statement, via two Instagram stories posted on Wednesday, came the day after Fagioli was banned for seven months by the Italian football federation for betting violations. He was also ordered to undergo treatment for a gambling addiction.
“I thought I would start by apologizing not only to Juventus fans but to all fans in the world of football and sport for the naive error that I made,” Fagioli wrote. “But instead I am obliged to start with the garbage that newspapers write about me just to put me in a bad light with thousands of falsehoods ... or maybe better, just to get a couple more views. I will speak soon.”
Fagioli’s suspension was reduced from the minimum of three years after he admitted to betting on football matches — but not those involving his team — and reached a plea bargain with the federation.
The 22-year-old Fagioli, considered one of the country’s top young midfielders, alerted the federation’s prosecutor about the case after Turin prosecutors launched a criminal investigation.
Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport carried excerpts from Fagioli’s deposition by Turin prosecutors. He told them he racked up debts of almost 3 million euros ($3.17 million) and had to borrow from teammates after receiving threats that the people he owed money to would “break (his) legs.”
Fagioli said the worst period was last March and April. He was shown crying on the bench during a match at Sassuolo on April 16 after being substituted following a mistake.
“I was thinking about my debts from betting,” Fagioli said.
Premier League players Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo were questioned by police at Italy’s training camp last week and more Serie A players could be implicated.
Tonali, a midfielder who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in the offseason, has admitted to betting on football matches and having a gambling addiction, and has already spoken to Turin prosecutors. Zaniolo, a midfielder who plays for Aston Villa, said he played blackjack on a website that he was unaware was illegal, but that he has never bet on football matches.
“Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities,” Newcastle said in a statement on Wednesday. “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.”
