12 October 2023 , 18:45
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Newcastle star Sandro Tonali and Aston Villa's Nicolo Zaniolo have reportedly been quizzed by police in connection with an ongoing betting probe.
The Italian stars are currently with their national side ahead of their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and England. There have been allegations of illegal betting against Juventus player Nicolo Fagiolo, who remains under investigation.
Italian press agency ANSA reports Premier League duo Tonali and Zaniolo were spoken to by police on Thursday at Italy's training HQ in Coverciano near Florence under formal investigation. The Italian FA have now confirmed that the two players have returned to their clubs and will play no part in the upcoming matches.
A statement read: "This afternoon, the Public Prosecutor's Office of Turin has notified acts of investigation against Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo, currently meeting with the national team at the Federal Technical Center of Coverciano.
"Regardless of the nature of the acts, believing that in this situation the two players are not in the necessary condition to face the commitments scheduled in the coming days, the federation has decided, also to protect them, to allow their return to their respective clubs."
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The two players joined their respective clubs in the summer transfer window, with Tonali joining Newcastle in a £55m deal from AC Milan. The midfielder scored on his debut against Aston Villa and has started seven games, including the Champions League clashes with his former club and PSG.
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in the summer (Offside via Getty Images)
Zaniolo was a loan signing for Unai Emery in the transfer window (Getty Images)Zaniolo meanwhile joined Villa on loan from Galatasaray after just a matter of months with the Turkish club following his move from Roma. He has made six appearances for Unai Emery's side so far this season.
Italy currently sit second in Group C qualifying for Euro 2024 and face a crucial week in their attempts to defend their title in Germany next summer.
They are tied on seven points with Ukraine and North Macedonia with England currently leading the way by six points. Luciano Spalletti's side host Malta in Bari on Saturday before travelling to Wembley on Tuesday night.
Mirror Sport has contacted Newcastle and Aston Villa for comment on this story.