Newcastle United want to sign Giorgio Scalvini, as they aim to add another Italian to their squad.
They currently only have one, with Sandro Tonali idolised on Tyneside as Newcastle United’s midfield maestro. He could soon have a fellow countryman alongside him, with Newcastle making Scalvini their top target.
The 21-year-old centre-back has a huge amount of potential, and a deal would certainly be celebrated by Toon fans. But while Newcastle value him at £30million, Atalanta want up to £43million for Scalvini.
That would make him cheaper than Tonali, who cost £55million in 2023. He is the most expensive Italian player in Newcastle United’s history, not that St James’ Park has been home to many Italians.
As Eddie Howe aims to bring Scalvini to Tyneside, Geordie Boot Boys look back at the five Italian players who have represented Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Giorgio Scalvini stands next to Sandro Tonali ahead of flying to represent Italy.
Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Sandro Tonali
The man we have already mentioned, Tonali joined Newcastle United in 2023. His first season was ruined by suspension, but the midfielder was back with a purpose for the 2024/25 campaign.
Tonali is Newcastle United’s best ever Italian player, having transformed the Magpies’ midfield since changing position. He operates as the number six in front of Eddie Howe’s defence, dictating play and putting out fires with his supreme athleticism and ability to read the game.
He truly is a world class midfielder.
Antonio Barreca
From one Italian hero to a player who Newcastle United fans would be forgiven for forgetting. Antonio Barreca made just one appearance for the Magpies, having arrived on loan from Monaco in 2019.
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After being brought in by Rafa Benitez, Barreca’s only Toon appearance came as a late substitute during a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.
Now aged 30, the left-back represents Sudtirol in Serie B.
Davide Santon
The right-footed left-back made 94 appearances during his Newcastle United career, having arrived from Inter Milan for a bargain fee of around £5million. He joined as a replacement for Jose Enrique, who had been sold to Liverpool.
Santon was popular during his time on Tyneside, with his ability to travel with the ball up the pitch making him a hit with the Toon Army.
Despite leaving Newcastle United in 2015, Santon still has a part of the North East with him. He married Northumberland lass Chloe Sanderson in 2020, whom he met whilst playing for the Magpies.
Giuseppe Rossi
Giuseppe Rossi is the only Italian striker to have ever played for Newcastle United, albeit temporarily. He spent half a season on loan at St James’ Park from Manchester United, making 12 appearances in all competitions. The forward managed just one goal, which came in the League Cup against Portsmouth.
Despite having a lot of potential at Old Trafford, Rossi’s career only really took off when he joined Villarreal.
Now aged 38, Rossi retired from professional football in 2023.
Alessandro Pistone
The first ever Italian to represent Newcastle United was Alessandro Pistone. He was brought to the club by Kenny Dalglish, joining the Magpies from Inter Milan in 1997 for £4.5million.
Pistone, a left-back, made 63 appearances for Newcastle United, one of which came in the 1998 FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal.
After being loaned out to Venezia in 1999, Pistone was sold to Everton in July 2000.