Eddie Howe answers big question NUFC fans were asking
Sandro Tonali will be joining up with the Italy squad this week for two decisive World Cup qualifiers.
Tonali is one of Newcastle’s key players so any extra time to rest and avoid injury during the international break will be appreciated from the perspective of the Premier League club.
But Tonali is also a key player for Italy, who are looking to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
The four-time World Cup winners sit second in their group behind Norway with only two qualifying group matches left to play. Italy face Moldova on Thursday before facing leaders Norway on Sunday.
Italy could secure qualification automatically by winning both matches, but would require Norway to drop points against Estonia, which is unlikely. Italy are three points behind Norway but have a far inferior goal difference.
Israel sit third in the group on nine points but can’t catch Italy as they only have one game to play.
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Sandro Tonali set to miss Italy match - on one condition
Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso admitted Tonali would likely start against Moldova but would be rested for the Norway game. And his explanation ultimately made sense.
Tonali is one booking away from a World Cup qualifying suspension for Italy. FIFA rules state any player who picks up two suspensions in qualifying must serve a one-match suspension.
The FIFA Disciplinary Code (Article 18, paragraph 2) reads: “A player or team official is automatically suspended for the next match in the competition after receiving two cautions (yellow cards) in two different matches of the same competition.”
That rule applies to World Cup qualifying for UEFA countries and suspensions are carried over into play-off matches when applicable. So if Tonali were to get a yellow card against Moldova, he would miss the Norway game anyway.
But if he were to get a booking against Norway and Italy finish second, as expected, Tonali would miss the first leg of a crucial World Cup play-off match.
And that’s not a risk Gattuso is prepared to take.
In his press conference, the AC Milan and Italy legend said: “I spoke to Sandro Tonali 10 days ago.
“Surely we can’t afford to miss an important player like him for the semi-finals [in March 2026]. I think it is difficult that he will play against Norway.”
That situation could change should Norway drop points against Estonia and Italy find themselves in a position where beating Erling Haaland’s country could see them top the group automatically. But realistically, Tonali is expected to miss the game before returning to Newcastle next week ahead of the Premier League match at home to Manchester City.
Sandro Tonali NUFC contract and future explained
When asked about his contract extension and future at Newcastle last week, Tonali turned a few heads as he said: “I signed after the ban for another year and I'm happy, not just for one more year here, but I'm happy for the people, for the fans, for every player, every member of the staff here in Newcastle.
“Every day I work to win every game. I work for every person in Newcastle.
“I don’t want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years, five years I will go. I want to think, just for me, year on year.
“This is football. Last summer was tough for us, for Alex [Isak], but this is football.
“If you have an option for your life, for another team you need to think about everything. I don’t want to say, ‘Yes, I want to stay here for ten years’ but now I’m happy here. I don’t think anything about another team.”
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