BBC NEWS: After the deal was made, the former Leeds United owner vigorously defends Sandro Tonali.

Massimo Cellino was owner of Italian club Brescia when Sandro Tonali broke into the first-team

Former Leeds United and current Brescia owner Massimo Cellino has launched a staunch defence of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali in the midst of the Italian betting scandal. The Toon summer signing came through the youth set-up at Brescia before moving on to AC Milan in 2020.

The Magpies midfielder faces a potential ban from football and has been in Turin this week, meeting with the Public Prosecutor’s Office to offer his full cooperation with the investigation. The 23-year-old and Aston Villa midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo are alleged to have placed bets using an illegal platform.

More serious allegations from Corriere dello Sport claim Tonali and Zaniolo placed bets on football while competing in Serie A. These claims came just days after news broke about Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli being placed under investigation for alleged illegal gambling.

The Juventus man has now been given a seven-month ban, which was reduced from 12 months on the condition he seeks help for his gambling addiction. Fagioli has been cooperating with authorities in order to get his suspension reduced.

 

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