Italian media claim Newcastle star Sandro Tonali was ‘unwatchable’ before dramatic Italy goal

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Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali scored a last-minute winner as Italy beat Israel in a thrilling World Cup qualifier on Monday night.

The Italian national team are one of the traditional powerhouses of international football but have not qualified for the World Cup since 2014.

It has led to a lot of criticism from within, but Gennaro Gattuso now has two wins from as many games in charge of the Azzurri.

Tonali has shaken off a shoulder injury to feature in both his country’s games over the international break and they will be glad he did.

Indeed, the Newcastle United star bagged a late winner in a dramatic 5-4 win over Israel, after Italy had squandered a 4-2 lead.

Here’s how the Italian media reacted.

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Italian media react to Sandro Tonali’s performance vs Israel

Despite his dramatic late winner, Sky Sport Italia gave a rather damning view of Tonali’s performance as a whole.

Indeed, they handed the 25-year-old a 6.5/10 rating, claiming he was “unwatchable” in the first half.

They wrote: “Unwatchable in the first half, but he improved significantly in the second, and his goal, even if it was a mistake by the opposing defense, was too important not to earn a good rating. INEXHAUSTIBLE.”

Football Italia also refused to get too excited. They gave Tonali a 6/10 and said: “Played a bit wider on the left flank in the second half. Hard to beat physically, but his passing accuracy was beyond disappointing (just 70%). Luckily, he scored the winner.”

How Sandro Tonali played for Italy vs Israel

It’s worth remembering that Tonali has recently suffered a shoulder injury. While he’s now played three consecutive games since going off injured for Newcastle against Liverpool, he admitted his shoulder still wasn’t 100% when speaking after the Leeds clash.

According to FotMob data, the Newcastle star created three chances, made two defensive contributions, completed both of his dribbles, made nine recoveries and won two tackles.

It looked a typically all-action display from Tonali, in a team that has struggled for years now.

To do that after a shoulder injury is impressive and Newcastle will hope he brings that kind of form into Saturday’s Premier League clash against Wolves.