'Reborn' - Italian media rave about Sandro Tonali as Newcastle United sent exciting message
Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali scored his first international goal to end a run of 460 days without one.
Italy beat Belgium 1-0 in Brussels on Thursday night to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Nations League. Tonali netted from close range in the 11th minute before going on to play the full 90.
The 24-year-old hadn’t scored a competitive goal since netting on his Newcastle debut in a 5-1 win over Aston Villa in August 2023. After returning from his 10-month betting ban, Tonali has been a regular in the Italy side.
He has started all five of Italy’s Nations League fixtures and claimed the man of the match against Belgium.
The Italian too were raving about Tonali’s impact. Leggo handed the midfielder a 7.5/10 and wrote: “He unlocks the match with his first goal for the Azzurri. A great satisfaction for a complete midfielder. Reborn.”
Football Italia dished out the same mark and explained: “Celebrated his 20th cap with his first ever international goal. Popped up in the right place at the right time and didn’t have much to do with the finish as a result. Calm and controlling in the midfield as well.”
Meanwhile, Corriere Della Sera rated Tonali 7/10 and said: “The first goal in his twentieth appearance on a perfect central insertion. He hadn't scored, in absolute terms, for over a year, 14 months to be precise.
“If Italy, after a European Championship to forget, has relaunched itself it is also because in midfield it can count on the quality and strength of the former AC Milan player.”
Tonali and Italy are next in action when they host France on Sunday night. After that, Tonali will return to Tyneside and prepare for the Monday night fixture at home to West Ham United.
Tonali has made 11 appearances since returning from his ban, six of which have been starts. Prior to the international break, he contributed with two assists in his last three appearances.