'Calm and controlling': What Italian media said about Sandro Tonali after bagging first international goal

Italy were in action against Belgium in the Nations League last night with Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali handed another start.

Sandro Tonali has been a permanent fixture for Italy since returning from his 10-month ban for breaching gambling rules.

Last night saw Tonali reach 20 international caps for Italy and the Newcastle midfielder marked it by scoring his first goal for his nation.

Tapping home into an empty net from about three yards, it's a goal that will only be remembered for what it means rather than what it was.

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Tonali was handed Player of the Match in Italian media

Tonali's tap-in was the only goal of the game with Italy holding on for a 1-0 win over Belgium and Italian media were impressed with Tonali's contribution.

Italian outlet Foot Italia (via The Shields Gazette) handed Tonali a 7.5/10 and gave him the player of the match.

“Celebrated his 20th cap with his first ever international goal. Popped up in the right place at the right time and didn’t have much to do with the finish as a result. Calm and controlling in the midfield as well.”

Tonali can take the confidence from his international performances back to Newcastle

Italy face off against France on Sunday and we've no doubt that Tonali will be involved in that fixture too.

His performances for his country will surely add to his confidence and help him grow more at Newcastle with Eddie Howe still trying to decide exactly what to do with him.

Tonali currently sits in a strange place as being too good to not have in the side, but also unable to play alongside team captain Bruno Guimaraes, so something needs to be worked out to have both in the team together.