Di María and McKennie Among 20 Newly Identified in Italy’s Betting Investigation

Allegations Span Multiple Clubs and Countries

The investigation, led by Milan’s public prosecutor’s office and reported by Corriere della Sera, centers on illegal online gambling activities that allegedly took place between 2021 and 2023. Authorities believe several players used unauthorized betting platforms not regulated by Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency.

Among those now under scrutiny is Ángel Di María, currently playing for Benfica but a Juventus player at the time of the alleged offenses. Also named is Weston McKennie, another Juventus player during the period in question.

The growing list of suspects now includes current and former players from clubs such as Milan, Roma, Torino, and Empoli. Notable names are Alessandro Florenzi (AC Milan), Nicolò Zaniolo (then Roma), Mattia Perin (Juventus), and Leandro Paredes (then Roma). Others reportedly under investigation include Junior Firpo (Leeds United), Raoul Bellanova, Samuele Ricci, Cristian Buonaiuto, Matteo Cancellieri, tennis player Matteo Gigante, and ten individuals who are not professional athletes.

Private Poker Rooms and Watch Shop Transactions

Investigators allege that many of the accused participated in private online poker games held in password-protected “closed rooms.” These games were not about professional competition or financial gain, according to the prosecution, but were more about social leisure. However, the method of funding these games has drawn legal attention.

Prosecutors say that players funneled payments to an illicit bookmaker through a Milan-based watch shop, ostensibly by purchasing Rolex watches. In reality, the purchases were never completed. The transactions served as a front for gambling payments, and in some cases, players reportedly received formal invoices for watches they never took home.

The police have since seized over €1 million from the watch shop, as the financial investigation into the network continues.

Disciplinary Fallout

While the legal penalties for those involved appear minimal—€250 in fines—the sporting consequences could be more serious. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) may choose to impose its own sanctions, as it did previously in the cases of Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Fagioli. Both players received bans for violating gambling rules.