Sixteen people, including Giuseppe Signori have been arrested for alleged involvement in match-fixing in Italy.
Italian football rocked by new match-fixing claims
Sixteen people, including former Italy international Giuseppe Signori, have been arrested for alleged involvement in match-fixing in Italy.
The police operation was based in Cremona, with arrests taking place across more than 10 cities.
Matches under investigation included some involving Atalanta and Siena, prosecutors said, which could put the two clubs' recent promotion back into Serie A at risk.
Former Lazio captain Signori, along with Stefano Bettarini, Cristiano Doni, Antonio Bellavista, Vittorio Micolucci, Vincenzo Sommese, Gianfranco Parlato, Mauro Bressan, club executives and betting operators were among those to be arrested
"Do you not have mercy in this situation? Have mercy. I cannot say anything, I will meet my attorney and then he will speak for me," Signori told
Corriere dello Sport by telephone before going to police headquarters for questioning in Bologna.
The police investigation began last November after a Serie C match between Cremonese and Paganese. Cremonese players allegedly had their drinks spiked to prevent them from playing well.
Speaking at a press conference at the city's police headquarters, Cremona public prosecutor Roberto Di Martino said: "It is understood that a substance was mixed with water, a tranquilliser, that the Cremonese players drank during the game or before."
