Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has been given a seven-month football ban for betting on illegal platforms.
This means he won’t be playing for the rest of the season.
The Turin prosecutor’s office imposed a 12-month suspension, with five months served through alternative methods.
Fagioli also faces a €12,500 (£11,000/$13,000) fine and mandatory therapy.
This reduced punishment is a departure from the standard three-year penalty for violating Article 24 of the Sporting Justice Code.
The decision is based on a plea bargain negotiated by Fagioli’s lawyers.
The primary reason for the reduced penalty is Fagioli’s full cooperation with the authorities and his commitment to overcoming his gambling addiction.
Despite the lighter penalty, this is a significant setback for Juventus, as they lose another midfielder in addition to Paul Pogba, who is facing an extended suspension for a banned substance violation.
Massimiliano Allegri’s team is set to face AC Milan in a Serie A match on Sunday.