Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali was among those criticised as Italy lost a crucial World Cup qualifier to Norway.
Tonali is one of Italy’s most high-profile players after returning to form at Newcastle United following his ten-month ban from football for breaking betting rules. Newcastle value Tonali at over £100million as a result.
The midfielder was excellent during a remarkable season on Tyneside, helping Eddie Howe’s side win the Carabao Cup while qualifying for the Champions League.
Still, despite playing for one of Europe’s leading nations, his international journey has not been easy.
He wasn’t included in the Italy squad who won the delayed Euro 2020 tournament and missed their defence in 2024 due to his ban, while the Azzurri simply didn’t qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
On Friday night, Luciano Spalletti’s side lost 3-0 away in Norway in a World Cup qualifier, a result that leaves them fourth in Group I. Naturally, it’s fair to say that the Italian media weren’t happy.
Photo by Adam Escada/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Adam Escada/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Tonali played every minute of the defeat in Oslo.
While the Newcastle midfielder was not alone in invoking the ire of the Italian media, they weren’t particularly happy with his performance. In fact, two different outlets said he looked “confused”, which is concerning for Italy.
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Sky Sport Italia gave him a rating of 4.5/10 and said: “He starts with his usual grit, but then he too falls into the pit of general confusion. He runs as usual. But he adds neither geometry nor cleanliness. Technically imprecise and lacking the usual substance.”
Football Italia echoed those comments in a 4.5/10 rating of their own: “Not sure if he should have played as a playmaker or box-to-box midfielder. The Newcastle star looked confused, but surely wasn’t the only one.”
Sandro Tonali stats for Italy vs Norway
It wasn’t a terrible day at the office for Tonali on an individual basis, although it rather clearly is a dreadful result for Italy. It should also be noted that the players are just coming off a long season at club level, with little rest between.
Key Passes Tackles Interceptions Ground duels (won) Possession lost
2 2 1 3 (2) 13
Sandro Tonali stats for Italy against Norway, data via WhoScored and Sofa Score
As per WhoScored data, the Newcastle star played a team-high two key passes, made two tackles (ranking joint-first) and made one interception (ranking joint-second).
Sofa Score, meanwhile, suggest he lost the ball 13 times but won two of his three ground duels.
That looks a typically all-action performance, even in trying circumstances.
They play Moldova at home on Monday night, however, so will no doubt feel confident about getting back on track.