Sandro Tonali been nicknamed the 'new Pirlo', and not because he and Pirlo look so much like one another, but because of their style of play and because both midfielders started at Brescia before joining Milan. But the New Pirlo has been facing a very difficult time. First, he never wanted to leave the club of his dreams AC Milan, and even broke down in tears at the idea of leaving. And second because Milan forced him out saying that they “needed the money”. At least that’s what they said.
Because now that Tonali has left, the player is facing some high level snitching, as Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, who recently received a 12-month suspension from football for placing bets on illegal websites, said that Italy team-mate Sandro Tonali introduced him to gambling. Fagiolo, in his deposition, further snitched when he went on to say that this all started in the training camp of the Under 21 national team, where TONALI suggested that he play on an illegal site, made him register an account and told him he could do it too because there was no trace of betting.
So Tonali’s now being investigated by The Italian Football Federation's prosecutor for these illegal betting with even the police being involved, and who have seized his phone and computer. And if proven guilty, the Newcastle star could face an even more severe punishment as it was revealed he risks a three-year suspension.
Now what comes as quite surprising, and maybe even shocking, is that Tonali’s own agent has said his client has a gambling ADDICTION, that he placed bets on AC Milan to win a series of matches, some of which he played in, and that he did not want to join Newcastle in the first place. In a tour of the club’s facilities upon arriving in Newcastle, he looked so unhappy and was even heard telling his girlfriend that the gym at AC Milan was bigger.
With all of this, everybody at Newcastle, coach Eddie Howe, the players and the fans were incredibly supportive. But did they have any other choice? On Management’s part, it seems that the Saudi Arabia owned club have no one to blame but themselves for paying 55 Million pounds on a gambling addict. And since three betting companies are among Newcastle’s sponsors, there’s really not much that they can say against betting and gambling or against the player.
So what an investment this has been on Newcastle’s part. The most expensive player in Italian football history only made 8 appearances, is set for a lengthy ban and even though the betting was during his time in Milan, if found guilty, any ban would be extended to ALL UEFA and FIFA affiliated competitions.
So from Tonali’s gambling, to Anthony of Manchester United’s abuse allegations, to others and others, should football clubs conduct some kind of background check on their players. And should they be part of rehabilitating players with similar addictions and problems. Because all I know is that this 23 year old is gonna need excessive help to get over his gambling problems.