Sandro Tonali responded to recent transfer speculation in emphatic fashion, scoring a brilliant double to propel Newcastle United into the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over Brentford. The Italian midfielder’s performance came amidst swirling rumors linking him with potential moves to AC Milan and Juventus, which his agent promptly denied.
Tonali [**opened the scoring**](https://www.calciomercato.com/news/tonali-le-voci-di-mercato-su-milan-e-juventus-portano-bene-doppi-29159) in the 9th minute with a superb long-range strike following a defensive clearance. He then doubled Newcastle’s lead just before halftime, volleying home from an Anthony Gordon corner. Fabian Schar added a third for the Magpies in the second half, assisted by Bruno Guimaraes, before Yoane Wissa netted a late consolation for Brentford.
The brace marked Tonali’s first goals since his return from an 18-month suspension for betting violations, which kept him side-lined from October 2023 to August 2024. It was a welcome return to form for the 24-year-old, who last found the net on his Premier League debut against Aston Villa in August 2023.
Tonali’s journey to Newcastle has been eventful. After rising through Brescia’s youth ranks, he joined AC Milan in 2020 for around €20 million. He played a crucial role in Milan’s 2022 Scudetto triumph before making a high-profile €60 million move to Newcastle in the summer of 2023.