November 15, (THEWILL) – Italian midfielder, Nicolo Fagioli, has extended his contract with Juventus until 2028, the Turin club announced on Tuesday. The new deal comes despite the 22-year-old currently serving a seven-month ban for gambling offences.
Fagioli, a product of the Juventus youth Academy, was handed the suspension in October, after reaching a plea bargain agreement with the Italian Football Federation’s disciplinary committee. Reports suggest the young star ran up debts of €3 million through illegal gambling platforms.
The ban is the latest twist in an ongoing gambling scandal engulfing Serie A. Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali has also been suspended for 10 months for betting on matches including those involving his former club, AC Milan.
More revelations were expected from celebrity, Fabrizio Corona, but his promised wave of exposures has so far failed to emerge. The gambling controversy hangs over Italian football, while the league tries to clean up its image.
Despite his ban, Juventus have shown faith in Fagioli’s talent by extending his contract to 2028. The 21-year-old is in line for a pay rise to €1.5 million per season when he returns from suspension. For now he will focus on overcoming his betting issues and preparing for his comeback.
