Who is Sandro Tonali who saved Italy’s World Cup qualifying campaign with goal in 91st?

Talk had invariably shifted to his time in England, which continues to confound most Italians who saw him as the best midfielder of the generation who chose to ply his trade away at Newcastle after shifting from AC Milan. Tonali had spojen abput playing in a league that was less tactical but pacier. “When you’re struggling, you work harder; you understand what you really want to do and what you care about. The Premier League helped me; they play a different kind of football, less tactical but very fast, quick, and physical. That’s the difference compared to other leagues. But it’s not just that; it’s the work that goes into it every day,” he had explained of leaving his comfort zone, as quoted by MilanNews.

“After the warm-up, the players can play in any stadium. When I play, I just focus; I don’t look outside anymore. Even when we played in front of 80,000 people, it was the same for us,” he told MilanNews.

The Italian served a 10 month gambling ban but returned to Eddie Howe’s tutelage, with the Magpies manager going under goal scoring radar after bring assigned a role deeper than usual for a midfielder.

Tonali though seemed to be enjoying his time, loving the sport despite the shackles. “Every match is different. I’ve been playing more as a midfielder at Newcastle lately, but I can do anything. I have no problem changing my position. In England, we play more with more space, but it’s just less tactical. You have to get used to it. In theory, it’s no longer fun, but if I have to run, I don’t hold back.”

Ahead of the qualifiers, the Newcastle United midfielder said he was overjoyed at having his idol Gennaro Gattuso as the new Italy coach, declaring he was ready for the ‘advice from a father figure.’

The former Milan midfielder and Rossoneri fan Tonali has been compared to Andrea Pirlo early in his career, but insisted his inspiration was Gattuso, so getting him as Italy coach was very special. “I talked a lot to Gattuso, it is something I frankly had always wanted to do, but I’m happy that I get to do it in the Nazionale. I’ll treasure what he said to me, like advice from a father figure. He will ensure we are 11 Gattusos out there on the pitch.”

Against Estonia, where he was clearly the best midfielder he boasted five key steals, and a 91% passing accuracy According to Sofascore. Playing alongside Inter’s Nicolò Barella, Tonali looked the sharper of the two with his stamina and resilience apparent. “Tonali can either play as a Regista or a box-to-box midfielder for the Azzurri, as his quality on the ball is currently unrivalled in Italian football,” wrote football-italia.net.

Italians jilted by his going away

Short of composing operas at his departure, Italians have mourned his Newcastle pick in every other way. Every other day, a rumour gains ground about him returning, given how stunned the country was when he left them in summer of 2023. ‘All but unheard of for Serie A to lose one of their best homegrown talents at such a young age to an overseas league,’ wrote one football.com.

The latest one linked him to being brought back by Juventus whose cash situation has improved a tad. The last ditch goal against Israel in 91st minute for the Azzurri will spawn some more of those ‘bring it home’ whispers.

Clever pictures of him in the Newcastle jersey created a nice delusion. And reports from Calciomercato claimed the Serie A giants “dreamt” about signing the player who was bought for £55million two years ago. Tonali himself has pledged loyalty to his new arrangement though like every self respecting Italian he calmly pines after AC Milan, leaving it to speculation.

Speaking to Sky Italia earlier this year, Tonali insisted he was “happy” at St James’ Park, which jilted the Italians.

“I’m happy where I am now,” Tonali said. “I’ve found people who care about me and I care about them. I don’t want to break any of the bonds I’ve built. I’ve had a lot of thoughts every day – but right now – I’m very happy where I am.”

A neat scenario was built – Juve believing they could launch a bid on him next summer, with Dusan Vlahovic’s contract set to expire. But Tonali kept murmuring about Milan. He has maintained since 2023, “I’ll never forget all those I worked with at Milan, my former teammates. I will always watch Milan and will always be their fan because it’s what they deserve. Maldini for me was a very important reference at Milan. At my first season he helped me a lot, let’s say he took me by my hand. Our paths divide now but he was and will always be of great help for all of us players because nobody knows Milan better than him. He is an exceptional person and I wish him the best. Maldini’s departure from Milan wasn’t the motive behind my move to Newcastle. I spoke with Leao before joining Newcastle.
We will remain in contact not only this season but forever. My spell at Milan was beautiful. I hope that one day I return to Milano and see my fans smile,” he had said.

His rescue goal didn’t impress the media though. Sky Sport Italia rated him 6.5/10 claiming he was “unwatchable” in the first half. They wrote: “Unwatchable in the first half, but he improved significantly in the second, and his goal, even if it was a mistake by the opposing defense, was too important not to earn a good rating. INEXHAUSTIBLE.”

Football Italia, also played it very cold giving him 6/10. They wrote, “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.”

Lucky for Italy, Sandro Tonali did.