Agent Federico Pastorello is urging Italian football to treat those being investigated for alleged illegal bets with care.

Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has already spoken to prosecutors, while Aston Villa attacker Nicolo Zaniolo and Newcastle's Sandro Tonali were released from Italy's squad as the investigation widens.

Pastorello told TMW: "It's certainly a difficult topic to deal with, extremely. Let's hope that the investigations don't lead to the involvement of these three guys.

"To live such an experience is traumatic from a certain point of view. In some cases it is a pathology, gambling addiction is an existing problem and does not only concern footballers but the whole of society.

"I have two daughters and their school friends, 14-15 years old , find themselves playing cards with money. The topic must be approached with humanity and closeness, the only thing to do is to try to ask for the help of some professional.

"It's one thing to do certain things occasionally like everyone else, but it's worrying when it becomes a pathology. The problem is not so much economic as social and environmental..."