Sandro Tonali completes return with Newcastle United AND Italy

2 months ago 25

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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.

Newcastle United schedule to end of October 2024:

Friday 30 August 2024 – Summer transfer window closes at 11pm.

Sunday 1 September 2024 – Newcastle v Tottenham (1.30pm) Sky Sports

(The first international break of the season)

Sunday 15 September 2024 – Wolves v Newcastle (4.30 pm) Sky Sports

Weeks commencing Monday 16 September AND Monday 23 September – Carabao Cup round three (This round split over two midweeks)

Saturday 21 September 2024 – Fulham v Newcastle (3 pm)