Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli has publicly acknowledged his acceptance of a seven-month suspension imposed upon him for involvement in a betting scandal. Despite this setback, Fagioli expresses eagerness to resume his professional endeavors and aspires to participate in the upcoming final Serie A fixture of the season.
The disciplinary action against Fagioli, initiated in October, comprised a seven-month suspension along with an additional five months dedicated to public engagements and therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing his gambling addiction and imparting guidance to others to avert similar pitfalls.
On the present date, Tuesday, February 27, 2024, Fagioli fulfilled one of the prescribed public engagements in Turin. This engagement entailed an interaction with psychologists and students, during which the Juventus midfielder candidly discussed the challenges posed by his addiction and the rehabilitation process he has undergone.
“Playing football would have helped me. To stay far from the pitch was a punishment I accepted, but that made everything more difficult,” he said as quoted by Calciomercato.com.
“I was obliged to accept it; otherwise, I would have never returned. I can’t wait to play again. The ban ends on May 19. On May 25, I should be able to play the last game of the season. The Euros are a dream.”
Fagioli, aged 23, participated in six Serie A matches during the 2023-24 season prior to being subject to a suspension until May 19, 2024. His compatriot, Sandro Tonali, similarly faced suspension due to involvement in football gambling activities, with his return to competitive play scheduled for August 2024. Despite his ban, Fagioli has persisted in training with the Juventus first team.
“I am feeling much better now. Last year, I had the most difficult moment in my life, but with Paolo’s help, I am improving. My family and friends make me feel well. I do sports,” he said.
“I started [gambling] when I was 16, it was like a game, but it slowly became a disease. I started sports betting when I was in Juventus’ youth sector.
“Before losing control, I liked to gamble. I was looking for dopamine without knowing it. Then I realised it was a disease, but it took too long to seek help. Luckily I did it in May. I couldn’t sleep at night. I spent so much time on the phone, with calls and messages. I asked for help because I had hit rock bottom.
“In the beginning, you think you know more, but then you realise that being a footballer gives no advantage. I don’t know why I started. Maybe because I was feeling lonely and I was far from home.”
What did convince him to seek help?
“I was constantly irritable. The only relief was a game because I didn’t train well so I wasn’t a footballer who gave his all. I spent 10 or 12 hours on the phone. I felt rage and shame when all those things came out on social media, but then I lived a moment of peace.
“Now I really want to return to the pitch. I no longer gamble, I spend three or four hours on the phone. My relationship with the family and with my friends had changed. I felt like I was losing time. But I realised I was on a good path when I started appreciating the time spent with them.
“The club and my teammates are helping me. I miss the dressing room before games, but for the rest is almost like nothing has changed. After the first two weeks, I started focusing on the team, but it was hard not to be involved in matches.
“I didn’t receive insults in the streets or at the stadium, and I didn’t expect it. I continue living my life with serenity,” he added.
“It may sound like a cliche, but when I was 16, I thought I could control myself, and I didn’t believe those who spoke about a disease.”