Tonali hit with 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations

Newcastle and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali has been hit with a 10-month ban from football for breaching betting rules.

The 23-year-old star, who joined the Magpies for a reported £55million from AC Milan in July, withdrew from international duty earlier this month after being told he was part of a police investigation.

He co-operated with the investigation by the Italian Prosecutor's Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said: "An agreement has been reached between the federal prosecutor and Sandro Tonali. 

"The plea agreement is for 18 months, of which eight months is for rehabilitation, which involves therapeutic activity and making at least 16 public appearances. 

"The rules call for a certain number of years of suspension. 

"But the plea bargain and extenuating circumstances have been taken into consideration and the player's collaboration went above and beyond, therefore we must continue to respect the rules we have established for ourselves."

Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagiolo has already been hit with a seven-month suspension for breaching betting rules, while Nicolo Zaniolo — on loan at Aston Villa from Galatasaray — has also been questioned by the FIGC.

Tonali came off the bench for the final 21 minutes of Newcastle's 4-0 win over Crystal Palace at St James' Park last Saturday and made a 25-minute cameo in their 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last night. 

His ban will see him miss the remainder of Newcastle's season and Euro 2024, should Italy qualify for the tournament.

The midfield ace would also have to sit out the start of Toon's 2024-25 campaign.