Sandro Tonali is one of several Newcastle United players who are out on international duty.
The Italian linked up with his national side off the back of the Magpies’ historic Carabao Cup win which saw him play a pivotal role in helping Newcastle United win their first silverware since 1969.
Things got off to a good start for Sandro Tonali as he scored early on in the UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg against Germany and played the full 90 minutes as the Azzurri fell to a 2-1 defeat at the San Siro last Thursday.
The bruising defeat put Italy in a precarious position, with their chances of reaching the next stage of the competition hanging in the balance, putting more pressure on Tonali and his teammates to perform in Germany on Sunday night.
The game was a thriller, and Italian media reacted to the 24-year-old’s performance at Signal Iduna Park.
Sandro Tonali fails to impress as Italy bow out of UEFA Nations League
Newcastle fans are sure to be pleased that Tonali was on the scoresheet for Italy on Thursday, but Sunday’s performance against a tough Germany side is, unfortunately, one to forget for the midfielder as Italy’s elimination from the Nations League was confirmed following an entertaining 3-3 draw.
The contest was all but over in the first half as Germany took a 5-1 aggregate lead thanks to goals from Joshua Kimmich, Tim Kleindienst and Jamal Musiala, who is friends with Newcastle’s Tino Livramento.
Despite the setback, Italy fought back and levelled the game in the final minutes, but it was not enough to keep them in the competition.
Tonali was taken off after 68 minutes, with the score still 3-1. Italian media were not the kindest to the midfielder after his efforts.
Sportmediaset gave Tonali a 5/10, saying: “The one from Dortmund is a distant relative of the one seen at San Siro in the first leg. He gets lost in the mesh of the German midfield and fails to free himself with his movements from the marking of Stiller first and then Adeyemi. However, when he is free, he lights up and builds passing lines that open up the few opportunities for the Azzurri.”
Calciomercato suggested Tonali was suffering from fatigue. After rating him 5/10 they said: “He is never seen, after the splendid performance in the first leg not only does he not repeat but he never enters the game, probably also due to tiredness.”
AC Milan fans loved that Tonali scored for Italy last week, perhaps they will be less impressed with the player they sold in 2023 after his showing in Germany.
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Sandro Tonali to return to Newcastle after international duty
Despite scoring, it will be an international break that Tonali will be eager to forget after Italy’s Nations League exit. The suggestions of fatigue will surely concern Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, but the 47-year-old will take comfort in the fact that the Magpies do not need to play any other games in March.
Although Tonali may be tired, he will return to Tyneside without any fresh injury concerns. The players can enjoy Newcastle’s trophy event on Saturday before preparing for an important Premier League clash against Brentford on April 2.
The same cannot be said for Tonali’s teammates, however, Anthony Gordon returned to Newcastle injured. England boss Thomas Tuchel suggested Gordon has a problem with his hip after walking gingerly following the Three Lions’ win against Albania at Wembley.
The feeling is that Gordon’s injury isn’t serious but there is yet to be a timescale for his return. The 24-year-old is still suspended meaning he wouldn’t be missing any games as a result of his problem. Fans will be hoping that he will be available for Newcastle’s visit to Leicester on April 7.
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