What Italian media said about Sandro Tonali as Newcastle United midfielder scores first international goal

A close-range finish for the 24-year-old helped Italy secure progress to the quarter-finals of the Nations League. Next up for Italy is their final group game against France in Milan on Sunday.

It was Tonali’s first competitive goal since scoring on his Newcastle United Premier League debut against Aston Villa in August 2023. After serving a 10-month betting ban, Tonali has returned to action and has been a regular starter in the Italy side.

Since returning from his ban, Tonali has made 11 appearances for Newcastle with six of those coming from the start. While the Italian midfielder hasn’t scored for Newcastle since his debut, he has contributed with two assists in his last three appearances before the international break.

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Tonali has started all five Nations League matches for Italy since his return and has been a standout performer for his country with a goal and two assists.

He was named man of the match in the 1-0 win over Belgium and was hailed by dedicted Italian football outlet, Football Italia, for his ‘calm and controlling’ midfield display.

Football Italia handed Tonali a 7.5/10 match rating, the joint highest of any player alongside goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma as they wrote: “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.”