Soccer-Villa say Zaniolo assisting investigation into alleged illegal betting

Soccer Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Aston Villa - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - September 24, 2023 Aston Villa's Nicolo Zaniolo in action with Chelsea's Raheem Sterling REUTERS/David Klein/File Photo

(Reuters) - Aston Villa's Italy midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo is assisting authorities in their investigation into alleged illegal betting activity, the Premier League club said on Friday.

Zaniolo was allowed to leave Italy's squad before their Euro 2024 qualifiers with Malta and England, along with fellow midfielder Sandro Tonali, after the players were told of their involvement in an investigation by Turin prosecutors.