SERIE A Footballer Sentenced to 14-Months in Prison for Gun Possession

A SERIE A star has been handed a 14-month prison sentence after admitting gunrunning and weapons possession charges.

Uruguay youth international and ex-Atletico Madrid player Nicolas Schiappacasse struck a deal with state prosecutors over his January arrest for being caught with a 9mm pistol in a car.

Reports at the time said he had told investigators he was taking the weapon to a fan of Uruguayan-top flight side Penarol ahead of a derby match against arch-rivals Nacional.

As part of his plea bargain deal the 23-year-old will be allowed to serve six months of his prison sentence at his parents’ home. He will then be on parole and ordered to do four hours of community service each week and sign on regularly at a local police station.

Schiappacasse, who still has more than a year left on his contract with Italian top-flight side Sassuolo, has been given permission to train and play with third division Uruguayan side El Tanque Sisley.

The footballer was arrested on January 26 during a routine police stop in his homeland after a gun was discovered in a coat on his lap.