· 6 September 2025, 10:00
Newcastle United had a few players in action in international games last night as the World Cup qualifiers continue.
Italy took on Estonia, emerging with a 5-0 victory to increase their hopes of qualification. Italy currently occupy third spot in their qualifying group behind Israel and Norway, although they have a game in hand on both and only a three-point gap to close on Israel.
Sandro Tonali was a key figure in Italy's win and almost put his name on the scoresheet, but his volley was fired straight at the goalkeeper.
The Newcastle man played 76 minutes of the match and proved why he's quickly being regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
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Newcastle's midfield maestro was treated unfairly by his home press
One miss and you get condemned
However, that one miss seems to have gone against him in the Italian media's eyes, as Sky Sports Italia gave Tonali a 6.5/10.
“He’s the driving force of the Azzurri midfield: he covers miles from start to finish and tries to deliver balls into the opponent’s box. He lacks the perfect pass, but he has a barrage of opponents in front of him, and it becomes mandatory to move to the flanks. In a melee, he volleys well but hits the goalkeeper."
According to Sofascore, Tonali's passing accuracy was 92% while he one five out of six of his ground duels. Other than that missed shot going in, we're not sure what more he needed to do to get higher than a 6.5.
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Italian media are harsh with their ratings
Football Italia had looked at the stats on Sofascore and used them in their decision to award Tonali a 7/10.
"Passing accuracy over 90% (via Sofascore), won almost all duels (five out of six). Too bad his volley in the second half was saved by [Karl] Hein.”
Again, the stats would suggest more of an 8/10, but you do you, Italy.