Dutch defender Jaap Stam has been banned for five months for use of the banned steroid nandrolone while Spain midfielder Josep Guardiola has been banned for four months, the Italian league said today.
Both Stam, who plays for Lazio, and Guardiola, who plays for Brescia, were also fined €50,000 following the Italian league's disciplinary commission meeting today.
Stam tested positive for nandrolone in a sample given after the game against Atalanta in October while Guardiola first tested positive after a match against Piacenza, also in October and then again in November following a game against Lazio.
The Italian anti-doping prosecutor had recommended a 10-month ban for Stam and one year for Guardiola.
Stam and Guardiola, who were suspended after the positive tests, have both denied taking any illegal substance.
Guardiola said after the first positive test that he would quit football if he failed to clear his name.
