Luciano Spalletti has explained that Sandro Tonali’s constant training and his long period of self-reflection were the main reasons why he was included in the latest Italy squad, despite the fact that he has only played 84 minutes of competitive action since last October.
The national team head coach spoke at his press conference at Coverciano on Monday, having revealed his squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures against France and Israel at the end of last week.
Spalletti explains Tonali call-up choice
The CT explained that he has a lot of trust in Tonali, and that he has probably spoken to him more than any other player over the summer, as he prepared to return from his year-long ban after being found guilty for his involvement in prohibited gambling activity.
Spalletti did not express how long the former Milan midfielder will feature for, if at all, but he is excited to welcome him back into the fold.
“Tonali trained regularly. He is a player we have a lot of faith in, so he is coming with us,” Spalletti said when asked about Tonali on Monday.
“He is one of those who I have spoken to probably more than anyone else in this recent period, the boy has done a lot of reflecting and this is another reason to bring him with us.”
Tonali made his first start in any competition for the first time since October 2023 during Newcastle’s EFL Cup clash against Nottingham Forest last week. He played just over an hour, and then had a 20-minute appearance off the bench in the Magpies’ 2-1 win over Tottenham in the Premier League over the weekend.
Everything Spalletti said during Italy press conference: ‘I will create a new team’