Fagioli on worst moments of gambling addiction: ‘I was in a bubble’ | OneFootball

Juventus and Italy midfielder Nicolò Fagioli is the subject of a new documentary on his gambling addiction and ban, revealing the worst moments when he was ‘stuck in a bubble.’

The player went to his club and then to the authorities, confessing that he had an addiction and had been participating in illegal gambling, starting the process of getting help.

This also meant accepting a ban, while it sparked a wider investigation into other players like Sandro Tonali who also received bans.

Now Fagioli is trying to share his story and help others in a similar position to find a way through, so Amazon Prime Italia will release ‘Fragile – The Story of Nicolò Fagioli’ on November 26.

Fagioli opens up on gambling addiction

BERLIN, GERMANY – JUNE 28: Nicolo Fagioli of Italy during a pitch walk prior to the press conference of Italy at Olympiastadion on June 28, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

A few clips have been released to the media where he talks about how he got sucked into the addiction.

“I started to bet large sums when I was with the Under-23 team, that’s where I started to bet more money than was normal,” confessed Fagioli.

“The truth is, I wasn’t even gambling to win money. I didn’t need it. I gambled for the adrenaline that it gave me and that was the biggest problem, really. In my worst period, I would spend 12-13 hours glued to my phone and it just flew by like a couple of hours, you just did not realise what was happening.

“I felt like I was stuck in this bubble and didn’t notice anything outside of it. People would ask me questions, I’d reply, but then an hour later I’d realise none of it had sunk in and I don’t even know what they said to me.”

Like Newcastle United midfielder Tonali, Fagioli underwent treatment and has now returned to active duty both for his club and playing for Italy.