Sandro Tonali latest - Nicolo Fagioli goes public after fresh Italian allegations

Italy international Nicolo Fagioli has apologised after it was revealed 13 players are being investigated for alleged gambling breaches.

A fresh probe from Milan prosecutors is based on evidence given by Fagioli and Sandro Tonali during their interrogation 18 months ago. Newcastle United lost the 24-year-old for 10 months after he was found guilty of breaching betting regulations.

The bombshell came just 12 games into his Toon career, with the Magpies shelling out £55million to AC Milan. Instead of outcasting the midfielder, Newcastle players, staff and supporters rallied behind him - and are now reaping the benefits.

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Tonali is the fulcrum of United’s midfield and has helped the club win its first domestic trophy in 70 years. The 24-year-old has also starred in recent weeks as the Magpies aim to secure Champions League qualification.

Italian news outlets ANSA and AGI claim Nicolo Fagioli, of Fiorentina, along with Tonali were named in a fresh probe relating to using illegal gambling platforms. For context, Fagioli - banned for seven months as he did not bet on his team - told authorities that Tonali introduced him to the sites.

Stars like Roma's Leandro Paredes, ex-Leeds United midfielder Weston McKennie and former Manchester United man Angel Di Maria were also listed. NewcastleWorld understands reports on the continent are misleading; this is not a “fresh” investigation, simply an expansion of the one launched two years ago.

Tonali is unlikely to face another footballing sanction - but a fine remains possible. Amid the drama, Italian teammate Fagioli apologised to those currently being implicated in the inquiry.

"I made mistakes and I paid for them," Fagioli wrote on Instagram. "And like anyone who makes a mistake and pays for it, I have every right to get back up. ... I was 19 when all this happened and I was overcome by a gambling addiction. I regret it, but life gave me a second opportunity and I want to take advantage of it, having already been punished for everything I deserved to be punished for.

"I apologise to all of my teammates and friends who, because of my mistakes, are finding themselves involved or named. And I want to thank Fiorentina, Juventus, my friends and family, who never stopped supporting me during a tough time. Even if I definitely disappointed them."

Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali’s relief after being caught

Tonali opened up about his relief at finally being exposed after making a long-awaited football return in August. He told Sky Sports: "Before the mistake, I had two lives, because I was very closed to myself and I never spoke with people, also in the training ground, also with the staff.

"Now it's totally different. Every day is different, especially with the staff and my teammates, because it's normal to speak every day, it's normal to have a relationship. When I come to the training ground, I am the same person now; with the gaffer, with the staff, with my team-mates.

“Before these 10 months, before the last year, I don't know. It's a little bit different because I was another person. I was two different people in my life and in football. And now I am only one person, only one.”

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