Italy internationals Guglielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie were criticised by English media following Tottenham’s 4-0 loss to Newcastle on Saturday.
Vicario and Udogie may be among Tottenham fans’ favourites, but both Italian players fell short in Tottenham’s 4-0 away defeat to Newcastle on Saturday.
The former Udinese defender lost a duel with Anthony Gordon at minute 30 leading to Alexander Isak’s opener.
The Sweden international netted twice at St. James Park, and both Football London and the Daily Mail thought Udogie’s compatriot Vicario was hesitating when Isak scored the second, giving the 24-year-old ‘all the time in the world’ to find the net on a counter-attack.
Both Vicario and Udogie received poor ratings following Tottenham’s eighth Premier League loss this season which leaves Spurs level on 60 points with Nicolò Zaniolo’s Aston Villa in fourth.
Vicario and Udogie are expected to be part of the Azzurri squad at Euro 2024. Both made their senior debuts under new coach Luciano Spalletti.
Vicario and Udogie’s Ratings v. Newcastle
Vicario
Football London: “Couldn’t get to the first two goals but he perhaps had the chance to come out for the third, albeit out of his box, instead hesitating and giving Isak all the time in the world to pick his spot. Made one smart save in the second half but was nowhere near Schar’s header late on. 4
Evening Standard: Beaten hands down for all three Newcastle goals but saved well from Elliot Anderson after the break. 5
Daily Mail: His weak clearance led to Newcastle’s second goal. Didn’t know whether to come out or track back when Isak was sent clear for the Toon’s third. Chose the latter and it didn’t work. 5
Udogie
Football London: Dispossessed far too easily by Gordon for Newcastle’s opener. Improved after that but it didn’t make much difference. 4
Evening Standard: One or two decent blocks did not make up for poor positioning. 5
Daily Mail: Too easily outmuscled by Gordon in the build-up to Newcastle’s opener. Made partial amends with a fine challenge to deny Isak in the first half. 4.5