Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali’s perfect Italy return came to an end on Sunday night.
The 24-year-old has started every Italy game possible since the end of his suspension, with Sandro Tonali playing pretty much every minute possible of the Azzurri’s Nations League game.
That continued on Sunday night, as the Newcastle United star played the full 90 minutes against France.
However, for the first time since his comeback, Tonali tasted defeat in an Italy shirt. Luciano Spalletti’s side lost 3-1, with France leapfrogging Italy into first place.
Mixed night for Sandro Tonali as Italy lose to France
It was a frustrating night for Italy and Tonali, who was playing at the San Siro for just the second time since his AC Milan departure. He became Newcastle’s second most expensive signing ever when he left the Rossoneri to join the Magpies for £55million in July 2023.
Tonali was praised after scoring his first Italy goal against Belgium, but did not have the same joy against Didier Deschamps’ side.
He was given a score of six out of 10 by Sky Italia, who wrote: “He does not fail to contribute his muscular strength to the midfield battle. However, the French win, playing better in the middle for almost the entire match. The match with Guendouzi ends in a draw, but Tonali does not pass.”
Stadionews were less complimentary about Tonali, giving him a rating of five.
On Tonali, they wrote: “Used on the center-left, he also struggles in a midfield that lacks precision and ideas. He ensures the usual contribution of shots and lungs but it is not enough.”
Elsewhere, Sportmediaset gave Tonali six out of 10 for his performance.
Tonali must focus on Newcastle United until 2025
Since his suspension came to an end, Tonali has been an ever present for Italy. He has become a key player for his country once again, performing at a really high level.
Tonali has been hailed for his athleticism in an Italy shirt. Spalletti recently compared him to a wild horse, while he has also been likened to a ‘mad man’ for the amount of running he has done.
It has been quite the contrast to his Newcastle United return, where Tonali has been in and out of the starting XI. He is currently out of it, with Eddie Howe finding joy with a midfield three of Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff. That is Newcastle’s best midfield right now, forcing Tonali to sit on the bench.
Tonali must force his way back into the side, and will now only focus on domestic duties until 2025. There is not another international break until March next year, which will be music to the ears of Newcastle United fans.
However, it might not be quite as good news for Tonali, who has been playing his best football for Italy rather than Newcastle.
Hopefully that changes over the next few months.
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