SANDRO TONALI was back at Newcastle United’s Darsley Park training ground this morning as the fall-out from his alleged involvement in an illegal betting scandal continues to gather pace.

Tonali and his international team-mate, Nicolo Zaniolo, were both released from the Italy squad last Thursday after they were questioned by the Italian authorities at the Coverciano training base where Luciano Spalletti was overseeing final preparations for the weekend win over Malta and tomorrow’s crucial Euros qualifier with England at Wembley.

Tonali, who became Newcastle’s record signing when he moved to Tyneside from AC Milan for around £55m in the summer, is being investigated for a possible breach of betting rules that has already seen three Italian footballers questioned amid suggestions that up to a dozen prominent players could be implicated in the developing scandal.

As well as being formally interviewed by the Italian authorities, Tonali is also understood to have had phones, tablets and other electronic devices seized as part of the ongoing inquiries.

Newcastle United have not made a public comment on the situation, with Tonali having returned to England over the weekend following his release from international duties.

Nicolo Fagioli was the first player to be questioned in relation to alleged gambling offences, and on Sunday, a series of reports in the Italian media suggested that the Juventus midfielder was willing to meet chief prosecutor, Giuseppe Chine, to hold a discussion over potential punishments.

READ MORE:

It has subsequently been claimed that Tonali could look to follow a similar path, with a report in Il Messaggero suggesting that the Magpies midfielder will also seek to set up a meeting with Chine next week. At this stage, however, that remains an unsubstantiated report within the Italian press.

There have been alternative reports circulating in the Italian media that claim Zaniolo’s explanation for his involvement in the investigation is that he was playing blackjack on a betting platform he did not realise was illegal, and refutes any suggestion that he was placing bets on football matches. It has been suggested in some quarters that Tonali could have a similar defence.

What is clear is that the matter threatens to cast a considerable cloud over Newcastle’s return to domestic action at the weekend, with Tonali potentially facing a ban from all football for up to three years if he is found guilty of football betting offences.

Earlier this year, Brentford striker Ivan Toney was banned for eight months after admitting 232 breaches of the FA’s betting rules. While the alleged offences involving Tonali and Zaniolo took place while the pair were playing in Italy, any ban would apply to all UEFA and FIFA-affiliated competitions.

“It is right that we look to defend them and help them, but then justice will take its course,” said Italy boss Spalletti. “If rules were broken, then it is right that a price should be paid. We need to talk about the risk of falling into these temptations. We need to speak to these young people about the fact there are these pitfalls.

“We can’t get stuck in this story. We have a game ahead of us (against England). This should be left out now. We had a whole day for sorrow and reflection. We had to alternative to the decision we made.

“In these situations, you feel good at home. It was right that the boys returned to their families. Now, we hope that they will demonstrate their non-involvement and come back with us soon.”