There is much to be excited about for the upcoming campionato in Italy this year, as there have been many high profile transfers into the league. One constant with recent years however, is that the league will begin with a suspension on the books.

Lazio's Stefano Mauri has been banned by the disciplinary board of the Italian Football Federation for six months following their latest investigation into illegal sports gambling.The result is a long time coming, seeing how the biancoceleste captain has been under suspicion of playing a large role in pre-determining the results of Lazio-Genoa from 14 May 2011, and Lecce-Lazio, from 22 May 2011.

The ban however is good news for Mauri as FIGC prosecutor Stefano Palazzi had called for the Italian international to be suspended for four and a half years for his alleged involvement.   Palazzi had also requested that Lazio, Genoa and Lecce start the upcoming campaign on point reductions; this too fell by the wayside.

The only relevant punishment aside from Mauri's ban is a €40k ban for Lazio. Coming on the back of Calciopoli, and Calcioscommesse, Palazzi may have been closer to the right here as gambling is a serious issue in Italian football. While the FIGC has taken measures to cull its influence, a harsher punishment (a year or two years) would have been best.

Also associated with the incidents, Stefano Ferrario was handed a six-month suspension, Carlo Gervasoni two months, while Mario Cassano was given a four-month ban. Alessandro Zamperini has been hit the hardest with a 2 year suspension. 

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About the author
Anthony Cooper
Fan of Calcio in general, Juventus specifically, and West Virginia University sports here at home. Currently pursuing a Masters of Philosophy, I write on Calcio for Vavel Uk, and Juventus for JuveFC.com. Italian in all but location. You can follow me on twitter @acoop13