Napoli docked two points, players banned

Napoli have copped a two-point penalty as part of the match-fixing investigations, while two players have been banned for six months.

The penalties derived from a Serie A match against Sampdoria in 2010, which former Napoli goalkeeper Matteo Gianello has confessed he tried to fix leading to a suspension of 39 months.

The Italian Football Federation’s (FIGC) disciplinary commission confirmed on Tuesday they have suspended Paolo Cannavaro, the younger brother of former Real Madrid defender Fabio, and Gianluca Grava from playing for six months for failing to report Gianello’s plans.

The FIGC have punished Napoli for being ‘objectively responsible’ due to Gianello playing with the club at the time.

The FIGC determined Cannavaro and Grava were approached by Gianello to help fix the game and despite refusing to be involved, the two defenders failed to report the incident.

Both Cannavaro and Grava have denied they knew anything and will appeal their penalties, as will Napoli.

Sampdoria won the game 1-0, which was in Serie A’s final round of the 2009/10 campaign, claiming a spot in the following season’s UEFA Champions League.

Napoli have dropped to two spots to fifth on the Serie A table with 31 points for the season, 10 behind leaders Juventus.