Nicolo Zaniolo will be available for Aston Villa’s match against West Ham on Sunday despite being questioned about the illegal betting scandal in Italian football. 

Italian authorities are looking into Zaniolo and Newcastle star Sandro Tonali as part of a widescale investigation into alleged illegal betting.

Aston Villa confirmed that Zaniolo is assisting the investigation and has met with senior club officials. 

More than 40 players are suspected of being involved in the betting scandal that has rocked Italian football. 

Nicolo Zaniolo is available for Aston Villa’s match against West Ham on Sunday, the club said

The 24-year-old is currently being investigated for alleged illegal betting by Italian authorities

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali has reportedly admitted his guilt and is at risk of a one-year ban 

Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagiolo received a seven-month ban for breaches having reached a plea bargain with prosecutors after admitting his guilt. 

Read Related Also: Leandro Trossard withdraws from the Belgium national team through injury as the Arsenal star attempts to recover from a hamstring problem

Fagiolo, Zaniolo, and Tonali all had their phones and devices confiscated by police while the latter two had to leave Italy’s international training camp to face questions. 

Newcastle midfielder Tonali is reportedly at risk of a year-long ban after reportedly admitting to betting on matches and his agent said he was fighting a gambling problem. 

Under Italian regulations, athletes are forbidden from betting on the sports in which they participate.

Worldwide bans of up to three years could apply if footballers are found to have broken the rules. 

Zaniolo, who has 13 caps for his country, joined Aston Villa on loan from Galatasaray in the summer. 

He has appeared seven times so far for Unai Emery’s team.