Former Bari player gets suspended sentence

BARI, Italy -- Former Bari defender Andrea Masiello has reached a plea deal for a 22-month suspended sentence for match-fixing after admitting that he scored an own-goal to help Lecce stay in Serie A.

Local media reported that two betting friends of Masiello received 17-month suspended sentences from a Bari court.

The trio was accused of fixing four matches involving Bari two seasons ago.

In May 2011, Masiello's own-goal helped Lecce win a southern derby 2-0 to avoid relegation after Bari had already been relegated.

Masiello reportedly told prosecutors he scored the own-goal on purpose in exchange for $230,000.

Bari has a seven-point penalty in Serie B this season and Lecce was relegated to the third division for fixing.

Masiello played for Atalanta last season before getting arrested.