Illegal betting nightmare returns in Serie A: two Atalanta summer hits in trouble, as many as 12 investigated
Scommesse illegali, i due colpi estivi dell’Atalanta nei guai: trema di nuovo il calcio italiano – SerieAnews
The news has shaken the world of Italian soccer: an investigation by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office has uncovered an illegal betting network involving as many as 12 Serie A players. Among the well-known names emerging from the investigation are Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Fagioli, Leandro Paredes, Ángel Di María, and many others. But how did these soccer players end up involved in betting on illegal platforms, and what are the implications of this affair?
Le scommesse e l’operazione della Guardia di Finanza
The case gained momentum after the Guardia di Finanza of Turin seized cell phones, which monitored Tonali and Fagioli’s devices in 2023. Crucial information emerged from there: several Serie A players had placed bets on unauthorized platforms.
Le scommesse e l’operazione della Guardia di Finanza (Ansa Foto) – SerieAnews
Investigations showed that the mechanism was simple but dangerous: football players obtained credit from the betting organizers, and to settle their debts, they were found to buy luxury items, such as Rolexes and other valuable watches. These items, purchased at a Milan jewelry store, served as “payment” for debts accumulated on the illegal sites, effectively turning the store into a kind of alternative “bank.”
Despite the disturbing discovery, it should be stressed that, according to investigators, none of the players involved ever bet on their teams’ matches. However, involvement in illegal betting remains a serious matter and could have serious repercussions for their careers and the image of Italian soccer.
I nomi coinvolti e le reazioni
Among the players involved are the names of Tonali, a Newcastle midfielder, and Fagioli, former Juventus and now at Fiorentina, who are already known to have been at the center of media attention regarding illegal betting last year. Along with them, players Paredes, Di María, Bellanova and Zaniolo are also under investigation. It is clear that the phenomenon does not only affect young players, but also some of the most established names on the Italian and international football scene.
Scommese illegali, i nomi coinvolti e le reazioni (Ansa Foto) – SerieAnews
The case has raised controversy on several fronts, including security management and player protection. Serie A and the relevant authorities will have to address not only the legal issues, but also the need to ensure greater education and protection against the phenomenon of illegal betting, which poses a real threat to the integrity of soccer.
Le conseguenze e le prossime mosse
The requests for house arrest and the seizure of assets worth about 1.5 million euros are just the first step in an investigation that could involve other people and further deepen the dynamics behind these offenses. The focus now shifts to how the players involved will react and what, if any, penalties will be imposed on those who broke the rules.
The situation could also have repercussions for their soccer future, both in Italy and abroad, as involvement in illegal activities can damage not only individual careers but also the image of the clubs they play for. The question that arises is: to what extent is the Italian soccer system ready to deal with such phenomena? More importantly, what is being done to protect young footballers from such dangerous temptations?
The story is still evolving, and many questions remain unanswered. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is essential that steps be taken to protect the credibility of the sport and ensure that incidents such as this do not jeopardize the future of competitions and athletes.
This article Illegal betting, Atalanta’s two summer hits involved: what’s happening appeared in its original version first on SerieANews.
