Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali was on the scoresheet for Italy in their thrilling 5-4 win over Israel on Monday.
The midfielder got the crucial winner in the first minute of stoppage time, helping the Azzurri seal a play-off spot for World Cup qualification.
Considering Italy haven’t played in the last two editions of the World Cup, the Magpies star’s goal meant a lot to the country and there is quite a buzz continuing about Tonali’s performance.
Sky Italia describe the 25-year-old as inexhaustible, handing him a rating of 6.5, noting that he improved as the game went on.
Corriere dello Sport go higher, giving him 8 and they praise how Tonali is emerging as a reliable player for new manager Rino Gattuso.
They state the Newcastle United player showed ‘plenty of class’, even if he didn’t start the game well.
Corriere della Sera have something similar as they believe that Italy ‘regained balance’ when Tonali was played in more of a box-to-box role.
They give him a solid rating of 7, but Gazzetta dello Sport are absolutely buzzing.
The midfielder is handed a rating of 8, which is the joint highest tied with striker Moise Kean.
They believe that Tonali’s performance was a show of ‘courage and clarity’, stating that he had an ‘outstanding’ game.
The ex-AC Milan player had also impressed in the 5-0 win over Estonia last week, dictating play in midfield and he also looked to get shots away constantly.
Tonali is growing in personality for his country and this can only be a positive for Newcastle United.