Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali’s season is officially over after playing his final international game with Italy.
After a historic campaign, the 25-year-old can now kick back and relax ahead of a busy 2025/26 campaign, which sees the Magpies return to the Champions League for the second time in three years.
Sandro Tonali has transformed Newcastle United; his influence in the middle of the park has been remarkable, and very few could replicate what he has done. Since returning from his ban in August, the Italian has played in a deeper midfield role, which has allowed Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton much more freedom to roam around the pitch, safe in the knowledge that they have Tonali there to cover for them.
After Tonali played in Italy’s humiliating loss to Norway last week, the fans were eager to see a much-improved performance against Moldova on Monday night. The Azzurri won 2-0 in Italy to move up to third in the table, but Tonali did not impress.
Italian media said Tonali looked ‘worn out‘ in what was his 55th appearance in all competitions for the campaign. While Italy picked up the win, fans of the Azzurri have made their feelings clear towards the midfielder.
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Italy fans berate Sandro Tonali for his performance against Moldova
Tonali is one of Newcastle’s big winners this season, having performed brilliantly under Eddie Howe and living up to his £55m price tag.
However, the same cannot be said for his performances with Italy, with fans clearly unhappy with his contributions to the game.
Some were so displeased that they took to social media platform X to share their views on his performance.
“Tonali is being pathetic, he doesn’t get a ball right.” said one fan, while another added: “The experience abroad in Tonali did more harm than good.”
“Without soul Tonali and Barella ridiculous.” said a third Italy fan.
“Thank goodness they fired Giuntoli, otherwise he would have been capable of spending 60 million for this s——- Tonali.” said another frustrated Italy supporter.
A fifth Italy fan said: “Tonali, €80million defrauded at Newcastle.”
Finally, this Italy fan said: “Anyone want the ball kicked by Tonali?”
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Newcastle United could give Sandro Tonali a new midfield partner this summer
While he was seemingly not at his best on Monday night, Tonali can be excused, given the number of games he has played and because Italy still picked up the win in the World Cup Qualifiers.
While Tonali has been focused on international duty, the Newcastle staff are focused on recruitment and building on the foundations to make them competitive in the Champions League next season.
Howe is eager to improve his squad depth this summer, and that means Tonali could be given a new partner in midfield. Reports have stated that Newcastle are interested in Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey this summer, and Unai Emery may be forced to sell him.
Villa are seriously struggling with PSR and need to offload players before the 30 June deadline to avoid a points deduction. Newcastle have been told that Ramsey will cost them £29m this summer, a bargain fee compared to the £50m they were originally quoted for him.
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