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3 weeks ago
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Sandro Tonali eventually saw his 10 months ban come to an end last week.
The midfielder instantly selected for Newcastle United, the cup match at Nottingham Forest.
United’s best player in the opening half, Sandro Tonali eventually tired and Eddie Howe confirmed afterwards that it was always the plan to give him an hour or so.
On Friday, the Italy squad was named for their September internationals, Sandro Tonali instantly recalled after his ban had ended.
On Sunday, coming on as sub in the second half, Tonali helped United to a 2-1 win over Tottenham.
Now reunited with his Italy teammates, Sandro Tonali and his countrymen face France on Friday and then Israel next Monday.
Italy boss Luciano Spalletti has held his press conference today (Monday 2 September 2024) and explained why Sandro Tonali has been instantly recalled, despite so little competitive football in recent times:
“Sandro Tonali trained regularly [with Newcastle United].
“He is a player who we have a lot of faith in.
“So he is coming with us.
“He is one of those who I have spoken to probably more than anyone else in this recent period.
“The boy has done a lot of reflecting and this is another reason to bring him with us.”
The Mag report – 30 August 2024:
Sandro Tonali is back.
The midfielder starred for Newcastle United, putting in an excellent hour before lack of match fitness caught up with him.
United’s best player in the first half against Nottingham Forest, as Newcastle progressed in the Carabao Cup.
Ahead of that NUFC match, the Italian media predicted (see below) that Sandro Tonali would be immediately recalled by his country.
Happily, that has proved to be the case.
Now his suspension has ended, Friday seeing the latest Italy squad announced, with Sandro Tonali included for the September internationals.
The Mag report – 27 August 2024:
A long ten months are finally at an end for Sandro Tonali.
Today (Tuesday 27 August 2024) sees his ten months ban close.
Wednesday he can play competitive football again and earlier today, Eddie Howe confirmed (see below) Sandro Tonali will definitely be in his squad for the Nottingham Forest cup match. The clear implication as well is that he will get on the pitch,, almost certainly as a starter.
After his move from AC Milan, Sandro Tonali made only 12 Newcastle United appearances, before that betting ban changed everything.
Still only 24, plenty of time for the midfielder to bounce back in his career and that begins tomorrow.
Interesting to hear from Italy today that Sandro Tonali is also set to return for his national side as well.
After joining Newcastle United, Tonali made only one appearance for Italy in a 1-1 draw away at North Macedonia, before his club AND country ban kicked in.
Today, Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that their information is that Luciano Spalletti will include Sandro Tonali in the first Azzurri squad of this new club season.
The Italian newspaper says they understand that the 24 year old will be back in the squad for Italy in these two September Nations League games against France (6 September) and Israel (9 September).
If indeed this proves to be the case, then I see only positives for Newcastle United, both mentally and physically.
Any extra football he gets with Italy will help him get closer to full match fitness for his return to Newcastle United after the international fortnight, whilst mentally, it will be a massive reassurance and confidence booster for Tonali, if/when Italy recall him to the squad at the first possible opportunity.
Eddie Howe talking on Tuesday morning about Sandro Tonali:
“He will definitely be in the squad [against Nottingham Forest] providing he comes through training today.
He’s fit. He just hasn’t had the match time, the 11 v 11, which players will tell you is the most important thing within the game.
“He’s done everything else.
“He has worked incredibly hard with the sports science team to be on top of his fitness, to make sure he’s fitter than he was when he was banned.”

 
