SOURCE: Reuters

(Rome, ITA) — Italy striker David Di Michele was one of four players charged with illegal betting by the chief prosecutor of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old Palermo striker, who has made six appearances for the Azzurri, was accused of betting "directly or through third parties, on the results of official matches organised by the FIGC", according to a statement on the federation's Web site (www.figc.it).

Defender Thomas Manfredini, who plays for Serie A club Atalanta, and striker Massimo Margiotta, who plays for Vicenza in Italy's second division Serie B, were charged with breaking the same regulation.

The fourth player, midfielder Vincenzo Sommese, who plays for Serie B side Mantova, was charged with betting on matches organised by FIFA, UEFA or the FIGC.

Vicenza, Mantova and Di Michele's former club Udinese were also charged with involvement in the scandal.

Italian players have been prohibited from betting on any football matches -- in their own leagues or in foreign leagues -- since 2005.

Any player found guilty of breaching the ban faces a suspension of between three months and three years.

The FIGC statement also announced that a further 15 players had been cleared of wrongdoing, including Italy and Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta and AC Milan defender Marek Jankulovski.