Italian soccer player Nicolò Fagioli is set to reveal his struggles with gambling addiction and subsequent ban from the sport in an upcoming Amazon documentary titled “Fragile—The Story of Nicolò Fagioli.” The documentary, scheduled to be released on Amazon Prime Italia on November 26, aims to shed light on Fagioli’s experiences and offer support to others facing similar challenges.
The documentary, a collaboration between Prime Video and Juventus Creator Labs, premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival. It will be available in Italian, English, Spanish, and Portuguese language territories, highlighting Fagioli’s journey through his addiction and the impact it had on his life outside of football.
In preview clips released by Amazon Prime Italia, Fagioli candidly discusses the beginnings of his gambling issues, revealing that he began betting large sums of money while playing for the Under-23 team. He admits that the thrill of gambling, rather than the desire to win money, fueled his addiction, leading him to spend hours glued to his phone without realizing the passage of time.
Fagioli’s story mirrors that of Newcastle and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, who recently returned to Premier League action after a ten-month ban for breaching Italian gambling regulations. Like Tonali, Fagioli was mandated to undergo gambling rehabilitation as part of his ban, a journey that has shaped his perspective on his struggles.
A statement from Juventus emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing vulnerabilities, noting that recognizing and accepting these challenges is a sign of maturity and growth. The documentary aims to explore Fagioli’s journey and showcase how his vulnerabilities have become a source of strength in shaping his personal and professional development.
Overall, “Fragile—The Story of Nicolò Fagioli” offers a raw and introspective look into the world of a talented soccer player grappling with addiction and redemption, serving as a reminder of the complexities and struggles faced by athletes beyond the field. Through Fagioli’s story, the documentary aims to inspire and support individuals navigating similar challenges, fostering a sense of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.