Luciano Spalletti: The dismissal of Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo from the squad was traumatic.

Luciano Spalletti: The dismissal of Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo from the squad was traumatic.

Luciano Spalletti claims Italy’s players were “distraught” after Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo’s “traumatic” withdrawal from the squad amid suspicions they were involved in an illicit betting investigation.

After it was revealed that Newcastle midfielder Tonali and on-loan Aston Villa forward Zaniolo were being probed by the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office, they withdrew from the squad last week, meaning they will miss Tuesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against England at Wembley.

“It was traumatic for the team because we had the authorities almost in the dressing room and so everyone was surprised and upset,” Spalletti said of the pair’s departure from Italy’s training camp.

“We had almost an entire day to say goodbye to them, and we were able to give them a hug before they left.”

“The players themselves were absolutely distraught because when you’re part of a national team everyone is very tight and after the results you can get it’s the one thing you can keep for life, the lasting relationships.”

The Italian Football Federation stated at the time that the players were removed from the squad because they were “not in the necessary condition” to participate as well as “for their protection.” The nature of the investigation was not specified by the FIGC.

Spalletti emphasized the squad’s support for Tonali, 23, and Zaniolo, 24, who is on loan from Galatasaray.

“Gambling is a form of temptation,” he declared during a press conference. “It’s a vice, and these things happen, and we’re dedicated to speaking with these players.”

“We will continue to keep an eye on them and we’ll try to provide them with all the help and support that we can to make sure they can go back to do what they enjoy the most.”