Italy manager Luciano Spalletti has defended the decision to allow Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo to leave their training camp after being informed of their involvement in an investigation by Turin prosecutors. The players were notified of the probe while at the national team’s training center in Coverciano ahead of EURO 2024 qualifiers against Malta and England. The specific details of the investigation have not been disclosed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Spalletti expressed his support for the decision to let the players leave the camp, although he did not reveal who made the decision. He stated, “It’s not nice to say who decided, it’s enough to say that it’s the correct decision.” Spalletti emphasized that it would not be appropriate to have two players who have been shocked by the investigation participate in a game. Despite losing two key players, he believes that Italy remains a strong team.

Tonali’s and Zaniolo’s agents were contacted by RushHourDaily for comment on the matter. Spalletti acknowledged that it has been a challenging time for the squad, particularly due to the events surrounding the investigation. He said, “It was a difficult night, when you have to get results there is always anxiety, but this was a different night, with a lot of bitterness over what happened.” The entire squad stands in solidarity with Tonali and Zaniolo, expressing their support for the players.

Spalletti emphasized the importance of helping the players defend themselves while also allowing justice to take its course. He stated, “We must try to help them defend themselves, but it’s also right that justice takes its course and if irregularities have occurred, then it will be right to pay.” The manager also mentioned that another Italian footballer, Nicolo Fagioli, is under investigation for alleged illegal betting activities.

In addition to Tonali and Zaniolo, Federico Chiesa has also left the Italy squad due to injury. The forward, who missed Juventus’s last game with a muscle injury, will return to his club for further treatment. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed Chiesa’s departure from the national team.

The article concludes by stating that the report was compiled by Trevor Stynes and edited by Toby Davis, adhering to the Thomson RushHourDaily Trust Principles.

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