TURIN, Italy (AP) — Juventus on Tuesday extended Nicolò Fagioli’s contract until the end of June 2028, less than a month after the young midfielder was suspended for seven months by the Italian soccer federation for betting violations.
Juventus had expressed support for Fagioli, who admitted his gambling addiction immediately after his ban and continued his show of religion by renewing his contract, which was due to expire in 2026.
The 22-year-old Fagioli is considered one of Italy’s top young midfielders and has spent almost his entire career at Juventus — apart from a season-long loan at Cremonese — after joining the Bianconeri’s youth setup in 2015.
Fagioli agreed to a plea deal with the federation last month that also stipulates that he will receive treatment for his gambling addiction.
Fagioli, who had already seen a therapist for his problem, alerted the prosecutor of the Italian soccer federation and cooperated with the government for his punishment.
That allowed the minimum ban of three years for players betting on soccer matches to be greatly reduced.
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, who played for AC Milan, was handed a 10-month suspension in the same high-profile case, and Turin prosecutors opened a criminal investigation.
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