Newcastle and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali says he took comfort helping other problem gamblers tackle their issues during his 10-month ban for breaching betting rules.

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Tonali, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July 2023 for £55m, was banned by the Italian Football Federation last October for breaking rules while playing in Serie A. The ban applied globally after being endorsed by world governing body Fifa.

Having served his punishment, the 24-year-old [returned] to action on Wednesday…

Speaking to the club’s television channel, Tonali said: “Especially in the first three months, I met a lot of people with ordinary jobs, especially in Newcastle, who had this problem and who had never spoken before now.”