'We were having fun': Newcastle midfielder says his side were enjoying their game before huge incident

After a 10-month absence from the game Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been treated with kid gloves by Eddie Howe who has slowly reintegrated him into the side.

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti had a very different approach opting to throw Tonali back into the starting XI at the first opportunity last month, and once again the former AC Milan hero found himself in from the start for his country last night.

Italy managed a 2-2 draw with Belgium despite playing the majority of the game with 10-men after Lorenzo Pellegrini was sent off on 40 minutes.

The Italians were already 2-0 up by that point thanks to a first-minute goal from Andrea Cambiaso and and a 24th minute goal by Mateo Retegui.

Ciro De Luca/REUTERS

Sandro Tonali says Italy were enjoying their game for 40 minutes

The red card changed the flow of the game with Belgium scoring a couple of minutes after the red card was shown via Maxim de Cuyper and then Arsenal's Leandro Trossard equalised with half an hour left to play.

Italy managed to hang on for the draw with Sandro Tonali speaking to the press after the game (via Football Italia) and saying how Italy were enjoying their game until the red card.

“It was a positive game overall. The red card is part of football, and we have to accept everything that comes with it. We showed that we know how to play, and it was challenging to confirm our abilities because that’s what everyone expected from us. We proved we are a team in the first 40 minutes.”

“We accept that after a red card, the game can change, especially since they scored immediately after. However, for an hour, we held strong against a really tough opponent.”

“In the first 40 minutes, you could see we were having fun on the field, which is something we’ve missed in the past year. That’s what we enjoy the most.”

“Then this enjoyment turned into a struggle, but we remained united and compact, managing to finish the game with our heads held high.”

Tonali had some 'decent' moments for Italy

Tonali was withdrawn on 80 minutes so Spalletti didn't run him into the ground.

GiveMeSport rated the players after the game and gave the Newcastle man a respectable score.

"CM - Sandro Tonali - 6.5/10

"It was an opportunity for the Newcastle man to build more match fitness following a prolonged period without action, and he had some decent moments on and off the ball."