Italian media make excuses for Sandro Tonali after mediocre outing in 3-0 win over Israel
Anthony Gordon has dominated the Newcastle United headlines for his goal against Latvia last night, but Sandro Tonali was also in action with Italy as they saw off Israel 3-0.
Italy remain three points behind group leaders Norway, with two more games to play, but their 3-0 win yesterday keeps their dream of topping the group alive.
The 3-0 scoreline makes it sound like a routine win, but when Gianluigi Donnarumma was handed an 8/10 by Football Italia for the saves he made, it's clear that it was anything but.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United's midfield maestro struggled to put his stamp on the game.
Football Italia suggested Tonali is simply tired
Indeed, Football Italia seemingly made excuses for the 25-year-old for his middling performance as they offered him a score of 6/10.
"The Newcastle star, one of the best Italy players under Gattuso, wasn’t as sharp as usual. Surely a bit tired, having already made 13 appearances this season."
Tonali was substituted at 92 minutes after picking up a booking at 88 minutes.
Fingers crossed Sandro Tonali is back to his best for Saturday
Sandro Tonali has a huge part to play in Newcastle's return to Premier League action on Saturday as the Magpies travel to the Amex Stadium to take on Brighton and Hove Albion.
Hopefully, this was just an off day for the Italian rather than him actually being fatigued.
Given the energy we've seen Tonali display with his gut-busting runs late in the game, we're convinced this was just a bad day at the office for him rather than anything more serious.
