Italian police plan corruption counter-attack

Rome’s chief of police Antonio Manganelli has revealed plans are in motion to ban betting on the outcome of football matches in Italy.

Italian football has been blighted by betting scandals in recent years with high profile names such as Juventus coach Antonio Conte and Lazio midfielder Stefano Mauri being arrested due to allegations of match-fixing.

However, as part of the on-going investigations into Scommessopoli, Manganelli has explained the tactics to try and rid the game of corruption.

“There are (to be) no bets on the final result since this would envisage the involvement of too many team members, or even both teams,” he told reporters.

“People now bet on everything, including the first team to allow the ball to leave the pitch, the first to play a corner, the first to play a header.

“These are events that have nothing to do with the outcome of the match but provide opportunities for making a great deal of money.”

Conte recently had his 10-month ban for his part in the affair reduced to four months.