Revealed: Sandro Tonali’s ‘key piece of evidence’ in probe into illegal betting scandal in Italy – as new Serie A stars ‘are named in ongoing investigation’

Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has inadvertently become a key figure in the latest phase of Italy’s ongoing probe into illegal online betting, but Mail Sport understands he is not facing any further punishment.

Reports from Corriere della Sera in Italy claim that 12 more players, including several current and former Serie A stars, have been named in a new investigation by the Milan prosecutor’s office – with investigators said to have been led to them through analysis of Tonali’s phone.

The probe is examining alleged betting activity between December 2021 and October 2023, but crucially, there is no suggestion at this stage that the individuals involved gambled on football matches.

Tonali and fellow Italy international Nicolo Fagioli were both handed bans in 2023 for betting violations, including betting on football. Midfielder Tonali’s 10-month ban ended in late August and he has since made 45 senior appearances for Newcastle and Italy.

But this latest development appears to focus instead on the use of illegal platforms for online poker and casino games.

Sources in Italy say the names of the latest suspects – including Juventus duo Weston McKennie and Mattia Perin, Roma’s Leandro Paredes, Fiorentina’s Nicolo Zaniolo, and Milan’s Alessandro Florenzi – emerged as a result of information obtained during interviews with Tonali and Fagioli and through the analysis of their mobile devices.

Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali previously served a 10-month ban for betting on football matches

Since returning from the suspension in August, he has played 45 games for club and country 

Tonali pictured playing for Italy against Germany in a Nations League quarter-final last month

Tonali, it’s understood, is not being reinvestigated. Newcastle are not believed to be concerned about the midfielder being hit with further sanctions.

The Italian authorities’ analysis of Tonali’s phone is understood to have led investigators to the other players now under scrutiny, making the Magpies star an unwitting link in the expanding inquiry, rather than a fresh target himself.

Others reportedly under investigation include Atalanta’s Raoul Bellanova, Torino’s Samuele Ricci, Matteo Cancellieri of Parma, ex-Cremonese striker Cristian Buonaiuto, Leeds United full-back Junior Firpo, and tennis player Matteo Gigante.

So far, there has been no indication of wrongdoing related to football betting among this new group of individuals. If confirmed, the repercussions would likely be minimal: the criminal penalty for using unauthorised betting platforms is a fine of just €250.

However, the Italian Football Federation could still choose to open a new sporting investigation.