Sandro Tonali told to leave Newcastle United - Italian media ramp up pressure

Newcastle United stumped up £55million to lure the midfielder from AC Milan - his boyhood club - less than two years ago. However, disaster struck just 12 games into Tonali’s career at St James’ Park when he faced a 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations.

Italian authorities punished the 24-year-old for misdemeanours committed during his time at the San Siro. Instead of outcasting Tonali, the Magpies rallied behind their player - and are now reaping the rewards.

Eddie Howe eased Tonali into the starting line-up following his return in August. Since deploying the former Milan star in a deeper role, Newcastle’s fortunes have transformed, with the Carabao Cup trophy secured last month.

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The Magpies are also in the driving seat for Champions League football with eight games of their campaign remaining. However, Italian media have desperately tried to unsettle Tonali throughout his time at St James’ Park.

Reports have constantly linked him with a Serie A return despite public claims to the contrary. His agent, Giuseppe Riso, dismissed suggestions at the back end of last year that Tonali is seeking to move.

But the rumour mill continues to churn on the continent, with ex-Juve defender Zambrotta backing a move for Tonali. The Turin giants are already set to sign Lloyd Kelly, currently there on loan, this summer.

“I wouldn’t have sacked Motta because it was supposed to be a three-year project,” the former full-back told Gazzetta dello Sport. “The club asked him to qualify for the Champions League, and he was just one point below the top four.

“Motta paid a high price for eliminations from Coppa Italia and Champions League and the seven goals conceded against Atalanta and Fiorentina. In the end, he also paid for (Cristiano) Giuntoli’s (sporting director) choices.

“If you pick a young coach like Motta, you have to back him. On the other hand, I felt that the support from the management disappeared.

“Yes (whether Tonali should join Juventus), because he’s an important midfielder, as he’s proving in the Premier League. I agree on the need to strengthen the Italian core. It’s something that, in the long run, strengthens the club and the national team.”

Eddie Howe on Sandro Tonali at Newcastle United

Howe perhaps did himself no favours earlier this season by likening Tonali to former Milan and Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo. He said: "When I first saw Sandro play, there were definite links to Pirlo, without a doubt - and it's not just the hair. There's more to it than that.

"He's definitely got those similar qualities in terms of build and style, but I think the thing that sets Sandro apart from anyone else was he could do all of those things technically and tactically, and looked really good, but it's his athleticism as well, his ability to run.

"We've seen that in recent games from a defensive viewpoint now more than an attacking viewpoint, where he's sprinting to put out fires for us, nicking balls, intercepting balls, using his athleticism to track runners. He's been excellent in that respect and think that's really helped the team.

"Yes, there are the obvious ones [comparisons] in terms of his technique and his passing and everything else, but I think that's the thing that sets him apart."

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