Italy

Napoli win points ban appeal

Cannavaro: A relieved man

Cannavaro: A relieved man

Napoli have had a two-point deduction overturned by Italian authorities following alleged involvement in match fixing during the 2010/2011 season.

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The Naples club were found "objectively responsible" for the actions of former goalkeeper Matteo Gianello, who tried to fix a match with Sampdoria in 2010, and were docked two points in December 2012.

However, the deduction has been reversed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) following a successful appeal by the club.

Captain Paolo Cannavaro and defender Gianluca Grava also received six-month bans for failing to report an approach by Gianello, but these, too, have been rescinded.

"It's an immense feeling of joy. It was a terrible month, hell. Now this is a release," said Cannavaro, who along with Grava is now available for selection against Fiorentina this weekend.

"I was in a really bad way. I won't be able to forget what I went through this month. I thank all those who were close to me. I want to thank the club for all that they did, the coach and my team-mates that have consoled me every day."

A statement published on the FIGC's official website confirmed the news that Gianello's ban had also been reduced.

"The two penalty points issued to Napoli have been revoked.

"There are acquittals for Paolo Cannavaro and Gianluca Grava, while the disqualification of Matteo Gianello has been reduced from three years and three months to one year and nine months.

"These are the decisions of the Federal Court of Justice following appeals against the judgments made by the Naples branch of the disciplinary committee on match fixing."

The club's lawyer, Mattia Grassani, told Gazzetta dello Sport: "It's a sensational victory and a really important result.

"Above all, justice has been done and what was unjustly taken from Napoli and its fans has been returned."

Following the restoration of the points, the Partenopei now move into second place in Serie A, just three points behind defending champions Juventus.

Posted: 18/01/13 13:22

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