- Tonali scores vital goal for Italy World Cup hopes
- ‘There’s still a long way to go’
- Newcastle fear he could be on his way out
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali was part of Italy’s World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland on Thursday evening.
The 25-year-old spoke to Sky (Via MilanNews) following their 2-0 win over Michael O’Neill’s side and said he scored the ‘most important goal of his career’.
Tonali scored the opening goal just after half-time, and it was doubled in the last ten minutes, thanks to former Premier League forward Moise Kean His future on Tyneside is in the air at the moment, with several reports claiming he could be on his way out in the summer, but his focus will very much be on Italy’s playoff final against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Tonali returns home
Yesterday, Tonali earned his 31st cap for his country, as he continues to be a key player under Gennaro Gattuso.
Tonali was part of the midfield five yesterday with Manuel Locatelli and Nico Barella playing alongside him in the centre, while Federico Dimarco and Matteo Politano featured as wingbacks.
Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport admits that while the team isn’t strong, an individual like Tonali gives them a fighting chance.
Italy have struggled in recent years. Although they won the Euros in 2021, they have failed to qualify for the two previous World Cups, something on the mind of the 25-year-old when asked about Tuesday’s opponent.
“Only Italy mattered. We haven’t thought about this match yet. Now, let’s enjoy this victory, and we’ll think about it tomorrow. We’ve never gotten this far in recent years, that’s the truth.”
The Magpies midfielder scored a vital opener, which gives them a chance to return to the prestigious tournament for the first time in 12 years.
He claims that it was a highly significant goal for him, but stressed the job is far from done.
“The most important of my career so far, along with the one I scored against Lazio when I was at Milan. I dedicate it to everyone because everyone deserves to go to the World Cup. But be careful: we haven’t achieved anything yet, there’s still a long way to go.”
Newcastle worry over Italian future
Many in the Toon Army have been pleased to see the midfielder wear the Black and White shirt over the years, but that could change this summer.
This week, reports suggest that Tonali has an agreement similar to the one Alexander Isak claimed he had last summer, which could see him leave St James’ Park this summer.
It’s understood that Premier League rivals Manchester United are waiting in the wings to see how the story progresses between the Magpies and the Italian.
Tonali has been a regular starter under Eddie Howe this season, with 29 league appearances, but many have been frustrated due to their poor form, believing players like him should be doing more to support Howe.
Tonali will be focused on his big game on Tuesday, but once he returns to Tyneside, his future at the club will come into sharper focus.
