Sandro Tonali was praised by English media following Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Chelsea on Wednesday, saying that the Italy international made his ‘best performance’ since returning from a 10-month gambling ban.
Italy midfielder Tonali played 89 minutes in Newcastle’s EFL Cup win over Chelsea on Wednesday. He provided an assist for Alexander Isak’s opener at minute 23, created a big chance and completed 90% accurate passes (via Sofascore).
The Telegraph correspondent Luke Edwards wrote it was ‘comfortably Tonali’s best performance since he returned from his 10-month ban for breaking gambling rules during his time at Milan.
Tonali’ made an impact at both ends of the pitch,’ continued Edwards.
‘It was the sort of all-round midfielder performance that Newcastle have craved since they spent £53 million on him in the summer of 2023.
Tonali praised for best post-suspension display against Chelsea
‘Tonali looked a class act, a reassuring presence, the heartbeat of the team. He looked like the player both Milan and Italy have built their midfield around.’
Chroniclelive also praised the ex-Milan star, saying that Tonali ‘delivered arguably his best post-suspension display.’
Both media, however, highlight that the Italian midfielder was deployed as the deepest of Newcastle’s midfield trio. It’s a slightly different role than he usually covers for Newcastle, where the Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes is used as a deep-lying playmaker.
Tonali, 24, has made nine appearances across all competitions for Newcastle this season.
He’s also played four games for the Azzurri since the end of his betting ban, providing a brilliant assist for Federico Dimarco in a 3-1 Nations League win over France in September.