Manchester United target Sandro Tonali faced World Cup heartbreak as Italy failed to qualify via the play-offs.
Reports suggest Sandro Tonali is Manchester United’s priority target heading into the 2026 summer transfer window, so plenty of Red Devils fans will have been watching the Italian international in action over the March break.
Earlier in the break, Tonali starred against Northern Ireland, but in their play-off final, Italy suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina to miss out on a spot at the World Cup this summer.
Tonali played the full 120 minutes of the clash, and while it ended in misery for Italy, that doesn’t exactly reflect his individual performance.
Sandro Tonali during the Italy national anthem
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Sandro Tonali stood out in miserable Italy display
Italy took the lead early on against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but a red card to Alessandro Bastoni in the first half put them on the back foot.
Tonali continued to provide energy and intensity throughout the entire 120 minutes despite Italy’s numerical disadvantage.
As per SofaScore, Tonali earned a 7.3 rating – a score only beaten by Nicolo Barella among Italy’s outfield players.
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In his 120-minute display, Tonali carried the ball over 100 metres across 12 different dribbles. He won five of his eight duels for a success rate of 62.5%, and he also completed 30 passes.
In the penalty shootout, Tonali stepped up and calmly converted his shot, but he was the only Italian player to score from the spot.
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Sandro Tonali out of the World Cup could fast-track Man Utd deal
This summer it could prove difficult for clubs to get business done early because many players will have their full focus on the World Cup.
For example, Elliot Anderson wants to wait until after the World Cup before choosing his destination.
READ MORE: Man Utd get Sandro Tonali transfer boost as Newcastle issued UEFA warning for financial breach
Now that Tonali and Italy are not going to the tournament, though, it means United have a chance to get a transfer deal done early.
Manchester City and Arsenal are also interested in Tonali, so United will face fierce competition for his signature. But his lack of World Cup football gives Ineos more time to decide whether or not to reach Newcastle’s asking price or look elsewhere.
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