Raoul Bellanova Among Players Implicated in Italian Football Betting Scandal
Former Inter Milan wingback Raoul Bellanova is at the center of a burgeoning football betting scandal that has sent shockwaves through Italian football. Recent reports from Corriere della Sera indicate that prosecutors have initiated an investigation into illegal online betting, which has led to the request for the arrests of five betting site managers and the seizure of significant assets.
The scandal first emerged in autumn 2023, when several high-profile players, including Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, faced repercussions for betting offenses. Tonali received a ten-match ban, while former Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, now on loan at Fiorentina, was also suspended.
The new investigation, however, suggests that the problems extend beyond those initial findings. It encompasses around twenty players, including notable names like Juventus goalkeeper Mattia Perin, midfielder Weston McKennie, and AC Milan’s Alessandro Florenzi. Other implicated players include Nicolò Zaniolo, Leandro Paredes, and Ángel Di María. Bellanova, currently at Atalanta, previously played for Inter Milan, Cagliari, and Torino.
Central to the inquiry is an online poker site allegedly operated by a Serie D referee, a friend of Sandro Tonali’s sister. The implicated players reportedly engaged with this platform between 2021 and 2023, though it’s crucial to note that this investigation is not focused on football betting itself.
While none of the implicated players face severe criminal consequences beyond fines, they could incur significant sporting penalties, including possible bans from the game. This ongoing scandal underscores the ever-growing concerns surrounding integrity in football, as authorities work to investigate and address these serious allegations within the sport.
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