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Atalanta deducted points over match-fixing

Retired former Lazio and Italy striker Giuseppe Signori was banned for five years from any football-related activity, the FIGC added in a statement, with the probability he will be blocked from any involvement for good.

They were among 17 individuals suspended for between one and five years and an equal number of clubs, all except Atalanta outside the top division, to have points deducted or be fined in the betting scandal.

The federation said Atalanta's punishment will take effect for the coming season, meaning the team will begin their first campaign back in the top flight with minus six points when Serie A kicks off at the end of this month.

"We are counting on reducing the points penalty on appeal. We have strong hopes," Atalanta lawyer Luigi Chiappero told reporters.

The clubs and individuals were cited by the FIGC's sporting prosecutor following a criminal investigation into a betting scam which had initially centred on 18 games in the second tier Serie B and Italy's lower divisions.