Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali played for Italy in an unusual position this week, with Eddie learning a key lesson from his performance.
Tonali represented Italy again on Monday evening, and was part of a nine-goal thriller as Gennaro Gattuso’s men defeated Israel 5-4 away from home.
While Italy gained another three points on the board as part of their World Cup qualification campaign, it took a last-minute goal to secure that.
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Tonali scored the winner in the dying embers of the match, proving his attacking qualities for Italy. He’ll be looking to take these qualities back to Newcastle United ahead of this weekend.
Italy v Germany - UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg One
Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Tonali was used on the left of the midfield for Italy, which is an unusual position for him to take up, but it might not be one that Eddie Howe looks to replicate at club level.
While Tonali got himself on the scoresheet and proved that he can technically play in that role, the response from the Italian media towards his overall performance wasn’t positive.
Sky Italia summed up his performance with the word “inexhaustible” and gave him a 6.5 out of 10 for his efforts.
‘Unwatchable in the first half, but he improved significantly in the second, and his goal, even if it was a mistake by the opposing defence, was too important not to earn a good rating.’
Match Stats Tonali
Total Shots 3
Accurate Passes 31/43 (72%)
Touches 62
Successful Dribbles 2/2 (100%)
Sandro Tonali’s stats vs. Israel – via FotMob
Football Italia reviewed Tonali’s performance similarly, rewarding him with a six out of 10 rating.
‘Played a bit wider on the left flank in the second half. Hard to beat physically, but his passing accuracy was beyond disappointing (just 70%). Luckily, he scored the winner.’
Tonali isn’t the only Italy player to receive negative reviews for his performance, as Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma was also criticised.
Sandro Tonali will retain a central role for Newcastle United
While Howe having the option of using Tonali in a wider position could prove beneficial at points, depending on the opposition and injuries, this performance alone is unlikely to convince him to make a permanent change.
The Italian has played centrally for Newcastle United’s opening three matches, taking on a deeper role against Liverpool and Aston Villa.
That’s a position that Tonali has been comfortable in throughout his time playing in the Premier League, and where the Magpies fans will expect him this weekend.
Newcastle United play Wolves on Saturday as they continue to search for their first win of this Premier League campaign.