Luciano Spalletti delivers 'magnificent' Sandro Tonali verdict as Newcastle star dazzles for Italy last night

09/07/2024 01:15 AM

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has made a triumphant return to action for club and country this season.

The Magpies ace made his first appearance in 10 months in his side’s EFL Cup second-round penalty shootout win over Nottingham Forest, in which he played a big part.

Tonali then helped Newcastle defeat Tottenham Hotspur in their last Premier League game before the international break.

Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti opted to name the Magpies star in the Azzurri squad for the Nations League fixtures against France and Israel.

And Tonali has repaid his international manager’s faith with a dazzling display for Italy in their comeback win against Les Bleus.

The 24-year-old provided the assist for Federico Dimarco to cancel out Bradley Barcola’s early goal, and notched up some impressive stats.

As per Sofascore, Tonali won five of his seven ground duels and weighed in with three tackles and one interception.

Spalletti was eager to sing the Newcastle man’s praises after the historic result as Italy won against France on their soil for the first time in 70 years.

Luciano Spalletti hails ‘magnificent’ Newcastle ace Sandro Tonali

Spalletti, speaking to RAI Sport, via Goal.com, said Tonali was “magnificent” in the game and also said his fears about the player’s match fitness were unfounded.

“Sandro played a magnificent match,” said the Italian coach.

“We were afraid he wouldn’t be able to hold out for the whole match, but in the last five minutes he made two incredible bursts of speed.”

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What next for Tonali?

Tonali seems likely to be involved again for Italy’s next Nations League game, against Israel in Budapest on Monday night.

Newcastle then return to action on Sunday 15 September, when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.