In a candid interview with the British media, Italy international and Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali discussed his struggle with gambling addiction and the 10-month ban that ensued. The FIGC handed him the suspension last October, along with a €20,000 fine and a mandate to participate in programs aimed at highlighting the dangers of gambling.
Since completing the ban, Tonali has made his return to football, first in Newcastle’s League Cup match against Nottingham Forest and later coming off the bench in Premier League victories against Tottenham and Wolverhampton Wanderers. He also made a significant impact on his return to the Italy national team, playing a crucial role in their 3-1 win over France at the Parc des Princes during the latest international break.
Reflecting on the period before his ban, Tonali admitted how isolating it was to live with the secret of his gambling. “I felt like I was living a double life. I kept to myself a lot, even at training, barely interacting with the staff or my teammates,” Tonali shared with Sky Sports. “But now, everything has changed. I engage openly with those around me. Whether it’s the manager, the staff, or my teammates, I’m the same person with everyone. That separation between my football life and my personal life is gone—I’ve finally become one whole person.”
Tonali also discussed the self-awareness he has gained over the past year. “Now when I talk to the manager or step on the field, I’m just Sandro. I’ve realized over the last year and these 10 months that I don’t need to split my identity between football and my personal life anymore. I can just be me, wherever I am.”
The midfielder also opened up about how difficult it was to be away from the game for such a long stretch. “I missed football terribly during those 10 months—the energy in the stadium, the emotions of the game. But now that I’m back, I feel stronger and more grounded. The support from the fans after my first game was unbelievable, their excitement really lifted me.”
Tonali took a moment to express gratitude to his Newcastle teammates, singling out those who supported him during his suspension. “Bruno, Joelinton, Trippier, and Jamaal were there for me the whole time. Their constant support helped me through the toughest moments, and I’ll always be thankful for that.”
