Serie A betting scandal : 12 players under investigation – all names revealed

The Italian Serie A has been rocked by a major betting scandal as investigators probe 12 top-flight footballers for illegal gambling activities. The investigation, which began in 2023, has sent shockwaves through Italian football with several high-profile names implicated in what authorities describe as a sophisticated underground betting network.

In Short

Major betting scandal uncovered in Italian football

A dozen Serie A players are currently under investigation following revelations of their involvement in illegal betting operations between 2021 and 2023. This scandal emerged after authorities analyzed the confiscated phones of Nicolò Fagioli and Sandro Tonali, who were previously sanctioned for gambling violations. The investigation has expanded significantly, revealing a complex web of illegal activities.

According to legal documents, the players did not bet on their own matches or attempt to manipulate results. Instead, they used unauthorized platforms to place wagers on various sports, including tennis and casino games. Italy’s illegal online gambling market represents a significant shadow economy, estimated to be worth approximately €20 billion annually despite the efforts of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, which has blocked access to nearly 11,000 illegal gambling sites.

The scheme involved an elaborate payment system centered around a Milan jewelry store called Elysium. Players would transfer funds to the store, ostensibly to purchase luxury watches worth €15,000-20,000 each, but never collected them. These transactions served as a front to settle gambling debts while concealing the true nature of the payments. Financial records show Fagioli transferred €693,614 to Elysium, while Alessandro Florenzi reportedly made payments totaling €155,000.

In a major development, financial police have seized €1.5 million from five individuals and a company involved in “unauthorized gambling activities, money laundering, and administrative responsibility of entities.” The investigation’s findings have been forwarded to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for potential disciplinary action against the implicated players, highlighting the growing commercialization issues plaguing Italian football.

High-profile players implicated in the investigation

The list of players under investigation reads like a who’s who of Italian football talent. Among the prominent names are Nicolò Zaniolo (Fiorentina), Alessandro Florenzi (Milan), Leandro Paredes (Roma), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Angel Di Maria (formerly Juventus), Raoul Bellanova (Torino), Samuele Ricci (Torino), Cristian Buonaiuto (Cremonese), and Matteo Cancellieri (Empoli). Also implicated is Leeds United’s Dominican defender Junior Firpo.

These revelations have particularly impacted player performance and fan confidence in Serie A fantasy football leagues, where bonus points and player selections are now viewed with increased scrutiny. While betting on matches has always been a central part of football culture, the involvement of active players in illegal gambling raises serious ethical concerns about the integrity of the sport.

According to court documents, some players acted as “collectors of bettors,” helping to spread and advertise illegal platforms, facilitating account openings, and delivering money for other gamblers. This activity allegedly earned them “bonuses” or debt reductions. WhatsApp groups were instrumental in coordinating payments and recruiting new players into the gambling network.

During his testimony in October 2023, Zaniolo acknowledged his involvement, stating: “I knew perfectly well that I had played on illegal platforms and knew that dangerous people could be behind them.” He admitted to making “a mistake” and being “ignorant” about the consequences. Similarly, Tonali revealed that his introduction to betting came through a friend from his hometown who previously worked as a referee.

The investigation has also uncovered players who, while not directly involved in illegal betting, provided financial assistance to colleagues struggling with gambling debts. Federico Gatti of Juventus, for example, reportedly loaned money to Fagioli but is not under investigation himself.

Legal implications and potential consequences

From a criminal perspective, the players face relatively minor legal consequences. According to Italian law, those who bet on illegal platforms may resolve their cases by paying a fine of approximately €250. However, the sporting implications could be more significant, particularly if the Italian Football Federation decides to impose additional sanctions.

This case differs from previous gambling scandals that involved match-fixing. The current investigation has found no evidence that players bet on their own matches or attempted to influence results for financial gain. This distinction is crucial in determining potential sporting penalties.

Fagioli and Tonali have already served their suspensions for gambling violations. Fagioli received a 12-month ban in October 2023, with five months converted to alternative penalties involving educational activities about gambling addiction. He returned to play for Juventus in May 2024. Tonali, who admitted to betting on Milan matches, received a 10-month suspension with eight months of alternative prescriptions. He returned to Newcastle United in August 2024.

Legal experts note that these cases are now closed from a sporting perspective and could only be reopened if new evidence emerges. This provides some reassurance to the previously sanctioned players, though the controversy adds to growing concerns about Serie A officiating and regulation.

For the organization behind the illegal betting operation, the consequences are more severe. The Milan court’s judge, Lidia Castellucci, described it as an “illicit betting system” that targeted professional footballers specifically because of their “significant financial resources.” Five entrepreneurs behind the online gaming platforms face charges of money laundering and unauthorized gambling operations.

As the 2025 season progresses, this scandal serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing football governance and athlete behavior management. For players earning millions annually, the allure of gambling wasn’t financial gain but rather the thrill of risk—a reminder that even for elite athletes, the temptation of gambling remains powerful despite strict regulations designed to maintain sporting integrity.