Nicolo Zaniolo is on track to be available for Sunday’s Premier League encounter between Villa and West Ham as he gets ready to meet with prosecutors looking into the betting scandal in Italian football.
Unai Emery, the head coach of Villa, will assess the attacker’s mental state following a week in which his name has been frequently spoken before deciding whether or not to start him against the Hammers.Zaniolo returned to Bodymoor Heath training after leaving the camp of the Italian national team to speak with police about unlawful gambling.
The 24-year-old is on a season-long loan from Galatasaray, and Villa officials have spoken with him. They are eager to offer support while still maintaining an open mind.
Attorneys for the former Roma player maintain that he only ever played blackjack and poker on websites that he was unaware at the time were unlawful. His cell phone records, which were taken last week when investigators went to Italy’s training facility, are considered to be crucial evidence in the investigation.
Sandro Tonali, a midfielder for Newcastle who also departed the national team camp after being interrogated, confessed last week to betting on games when playing for Milan. He is anticipated to be given a 12-month suspension.
This week, Juventus great Nicolo Fagioli, who was the first player to cooperate with authorities, received a seven-month suspension.
Zaniolo joined Villa in July and has now played in six Premier League games. If he meets specific goals, his option to buy at the conclusion of the season will turn into a requirement.
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