Aston Villa's Nicolo Zaniolo assists authorities in illegal betting investigation

Aston Villa’s Italy midfielder, Nicolo Zaniolo, is cooperating with authorities in their investigation into alleged illegal betting activity, the Premier League club announced on Friday.

Zaniolo, along with fellow midfielder Sandro Tonali, was allowed to depart from Italy’s squad before their Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and England. This decision came after the players were informed of their involvement in an investigation led by Turin prosecutors.

The Midlands club, in a statement, confirmed Zaniolo's involvement in the ongoing inquiry: "Aston Villa can confirm Nicolo Zaniolo is assisting the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the relevant authorities' investigation into alleged illegal betting activity. Zaniolo is training as normal with the first-team squad and available for selection ahead of this week’s match with West Ham United."


Aston Villa emphasized that they will refrain from making any further comments during the ongoing investigative process.

Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali is also available for their upcoming game at home, where they will face Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Aston Villa, currently holding the fifth position in the Premier League, just four points behind the leader, Tottenham Hotspur, is scheduled to host West Ham on Sunday.

In a situation that has raised eyebrows, Nicolo Zaniolo's active cooperation with the investigation remains a subject of interest. As the process unfolds, the footballing world will be keenly watching the developments in this case.