Four ex-Newcastle United players tasked with ruining Sandro Tonali’s World Cup dream after draw

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Newcastle United superstar Sandro Tonali now knows his path to the 2026 World Cup.

Italy are yet to qualify for next summer’s tournament, but will get the opportunity to book their place via the playoffs in March 2026.

The draw has now been done, with Sandro Tonali and his Italian teammates needing to win two games to head to their first World Cup since 2014.

The Azzurri will face Northern Ireland in the semi-final, with the winner of that game taking on the winner of the other semi-final between Wales and Bosnia.

That means Tonali and co will have to knock out some players from Newcastle United’s past to advance to the World Cup.

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Four ex-Newcastle United players could face Sandro Tonali in World Cup playoff

Italy will have home advantage in their semi-final, as they prepare to take on a Northern Ireland side managed by Michael O’Neill.

O’Neill is a former Newcastle United player himself, making more than 50 appearances for the Magpies in the late 1980s.

His squad to face Italy could include Jamal Lewis, the left-back who was released from St James’ Park during the summer. Lewis recently joined Preston North End on a short-term deal, and will hope to have earned a longer contract with the Lancashire-based club by the time the World Cup playoffs arrive.

If Italy make it to the final, they will be away from home to either Wales or Bosnia.

Interestingly, Wales are also managed by a former Newcastle United player. Craig Bellamy is the Dragons’ head coach, with his latest squad including ex-Toon goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

Three more Newcastle United players set for World Cup playoffs

Elsewhere in the World Cup playoffs, Sweden will take on Ukraine. The winner of that will then face either Poland or Albania.

Those playoffs will likely include Newcastle United’s Swedish duo Anthony Elanga and Emil Krafth, while it is also last chance saloon for Alexander Isak and his World Cup hopes.

Further afield, Yoane Wissa and DR Congo are involved in the inter-confederations playoffs. His nation will face the winner of Jamaica and New Caledonia for a place in the competition.