Italy will face Northern Ireland at 2:45 on 27/3 (Hanoi time).
Despite only turning 25, Tonali's career has been eventful. He rose to prominence by helping Brescia achieve promotion, earned his national team debut, joined his childhood club AC Milan, won a Serie A title, and then moved to Newcastle United for 75 million USD.
However, just months after his arrival in England, Tonali received a 10-month ban from playing due to illegal betting activities, which saw him miss Euro 2024. While the suspension seemed career-threatening, the midfielder, born in 2000, has made an impressive return. He appears more mature and has become a pivotal player for the Italy national team as they target the World Cup 2026 play-offs.
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Sandro Tonali (top) vies for the ball with Raphinha during Newcastle's 1-1 draw against Barca in the Champions League play-off first leg at St. James Park, Newcastle, England on 10/3/2026. *Photo: Yahoo Sports*
Tonali's impressive form has also made his future a hot topic in the transfer market. While his agent has hinted at a possible return to Italy—a move considered unlikely due to his increased value—English media reports suggest he is a target for major clubs such as Man Utd, Arsenal, and Man City.
With his distinctive long hair and playmaking role, Tonali was once compared to Andrea Pirlo, especially given his development at Brescia, where Pirlo began his career. However, Tonali's idol is Gennaro Gattuso.
Like Gattuso, Tonali later joined AC Milan and wore the number 8 shirt. The two are now reunited with the Italy national team, with Gattuso as coach and Tonali as a player. Tonali shared, "He is the person who influenced me most, even before I met him. Working with him, I find him direct and straightforward, which is crucial for us."
Former Milan coach Stefano Pioli once revealed, "On his first day, he told me, 'Everyone compares me to Pirlo, but I see myself more like Gattuso.'"
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Sandro Tonali during Italy's training session before the World Cup 2026 play-off match against Northern Ireland. *Photo: FIGC*
This season, Tonali has played 45 matches across all club competitions. He sustained a thigh injury in Newcastle's 2-7 defeat to Barca in the Champions League play-off second leg on 18/3.
However, according to Football Italy, Tonali has recovered well and resumed high-intensity training. The timely return of the Newcastle midfielder provides a significant boost for coach Gattuso, who expects his leadership alongside Barella in midfield. For the remaining midfield spot, Manuel Locatelli holds an advantage over Bryan Cristante in the competition for a starting position.
After years of development, from a boy watching Gattuso play from the stands at San Siro, Tonali has now become a midfield leader for the Italy national team—with Gattuso himself on the coaching bench, marking a fated loop in Italian football.
By Hong Duy (via Marca)
