Italian Betting Scandal: Final Penalties for Tonali and Fagioli

Italy's high-profile illegal sports betting case has reached its legal conclusion. Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has been ordered to pay a €78,000 fine, while Fiorentina midfielder Nicolo Fagioli received a one-month suspended prison sentence. These final criminal penalties, reported by OneFootball, close the judicial chapter for the two Italian internationals.

The sanctions are tied specifically to the criminal investigation into unauthorized betting platforms, a matter separate from the earlier punishments handed down by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

The Sports Ban Origins in 2023

The affair first erupted in the sports world in 2023. Fagioli, then with Juventus, and Tonali, who had just moved from AC Milan to Newcastle, were penalized for violating football betting regulations. Fagioli accepted a seven-month suspension, a €12,500 fine, mandatory gambling addiction treatment, and a public commitment to warn young players about the dangers of betting.

Tonali received a ten-month ban after admitting to wagering on matches involving his own teams, including AC Milan and Brescia. Officials have consistently stated there is no evidence of match-fixing. The FIGC also fined him €20,000 and required him to attend therapy sessions and public awareness events.

Criminal Investigation Expands

The legal scope later widened. In April 2025, Milan prosecutors launched a case concerning the use of illegal betting websites. Reports indicated a larger group of Serie A players might be involved. Investigators looked into claims that accounts were opened, promoted, or funded through intermediaries, with money allegedly funneled through a Milan jewelry store to settle betting debts via fake purchases of Rolex watches.

The April 2025 case involved allegations of illegal online betting platforms, financial transfers, and the seizure of €1.5 million. Italian media reported that those suspected of running the betting network faced harsher treatment than the players, with five individuals facing arrest warrants or asset freezes linked to the alleged scheme.

Final Legal Outcome

Thursday's rulings resolve the remaining legal consequences for Tonali and Fagioli. Tonali's final criminal penalty is the €78,000 fine. Fagioli's is a one-month suspended prison sentence, meaning he avoids jail unless he violates the terms of the suspension.

With the case concluded, the most severe sporting repercussions are now in the past. Fagioli has returned to Serie A with Fiorentina, while Tonali resumed his Newcastle career after a ban that kept him out of Euro 2024 and most of the 2023-2024 Premier League season.