Roma have released a statement expressing ‘full support’ for Nicola Zalewski and Stephan El Shaarawy after ‘reputation-damaging speculation’ around the gambling scandal, but did not mention Nicolò Zaniolo.

As things stand, the public prosecutor in Turin has confirmed that the only players under formal investigation are Nicolò Fagioli, Sandro Tonali and Zaniolo.

Gossip columnist Fabrizio Corona has alleged that current Roma players Zalewski and El Shaarawy, who were friendly with Zaniolo when he was in the squad, have been involved in gambling.

Both players deny it and have instructed their lawyers to take legal action against Corona.

“In response to recent rumours regarding the alleged involvement of some of the club’s players in the football betting investigation, AS Roma expresses its full support for Nicola Zalewski and Stephan El Shaarawy, who have been subjected to reputation-damaging speculation,” read a statement.

“The club has total confidence in Nicola and Stephan when they claim to have nothing to do with this matter.”

Other players named by Corona, including Lazio defender Nicolò Casale and Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti, have also denied any involvement.

Zaniolo is under formal investigation, although he insists that he only gambled on blackjack and other electronic card games, not on sporting events and certainly not on football matches.