Italy match-fixing arrests

The captain of Rome-based soccer club Lazio, Stefano Mauri, was among the 19 people arrested by Italian police on Monday. Around 30 homes were also searched in connection with the Calcioscommesse match-fixing scandal that broke a year ago. The search included players, coaches and administrators from the top league, Serie A, to Serie B and the lower Lega Pro division.

Italy defender Domenico Criscito, who had been named in the preliminary squad for the European Championships, has also had his home at the national team's Euro 2012 training camp near Florence searched. Criscito, who plays for Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg, has been formally notified that he is under investigation.

Criscito ditched from EURO squad

It came just hours before Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was scheduled to announce his final EURO 2012 squad later on Monday. The vice president of the Italian Football Association, Demetrio Albertini, has already said that Criscito will not make the final 23, so he will be able to clear his name.

Police also notified Antonio Conte, manager of freshly crowned Serie A champions, Juventus Turin, that he is being investigated.

Several other players have already been banned, including Italy midfielder Cristiano Doni, who will not be able to play for three-and-a-half years.

The former Atalanta captain and Italy midfielder  was banned in August for his part in the scandal involving Serie B matches last season.

Atalanta, who were promoted from Serie B, had six points deducted in the top flight this season as a result of the scandal.

ng/tj (Reuters, dpa, AFP)