Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali dropped from international squad amid Italian authority probe

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been sent home from international duty.

The Italian Federation released a statement this evening confirming Tonali will return to Tyneside amid a probe by the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Nicolo Zaniolo, Tonali’s international teammate who plays for Aston Villa, has also left the squad.

The statement read: “The Federation announces that, in the late afternoon of today, the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office notified investigation documents to the players Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo, currently in training with the national team at the Federal Technical Center in Coverciano.

“Regardless of the nature of the acts, believing that in this situation the two players are not in the necessary condition to face the commitments scheduled in the next few days, the Federation has decided, also to protect them, to allow them to return to their respective clubs.

Tonali was expected to play a part in Italy’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta on Saturday and Tuesday evening’s trip to Wembley to face England.

The Magpies don’t return to Premier League action until Saturday, October 21 when they take on Crystal Palace at St James’ Park (kick-off 3pm).