Sandro Tonali reveals why he would all the time think about a return to Serie A even when ‘not proper now,’ his response to being referred to as the very best midfielder within the Premier League, and dealing with idol Gennaro Gattuso.
The Azzurri go to Estonia in Tallinn on Saturday night, then host Israel on the Stadio Friuli on Tuesday as a part of their 2026 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign.
Commercial
They’re nonetheless taking part in catch-up after the opening 3-0 defeat in Norway and dismissal of Luciano Spalletti, changed by Rino Gattuso.
“We’re having fun with ourselves in coaching, as Gattuso makes us work exhausting, however have enjoyable too, which is vital,”
“After Norway, each sport has turn out to be much more vital, so we all know how a lot is at stake and we’re prepared to present our all each time.”
Tonali loving work with idol Gattuso
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Sandro Tonali of Italy in the course of the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photograph by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Pictures)
Commercial
There’s something particular about being coached by somebody who gained the 2006 World Cup, particularly after Italy missed out on the final two editions.
“We discovered somebody who likes to work exhausting and sweat for the shirt. The depth ranges are so excessive in coaching, it virtually appears like a match.
“He handed on the need to coach exhausting and turn out to be super-competitive once more. Prior to now, we’d get misplaced so simply, issues arose on the first signal of hassle. Now we’re all again to hitting exhausting.
“His degree of focus and focus is so excessive in coaching, that he makes certain you are feeling the identical means too.”
It’s no secret that whereas he was in comparison with Andrea Pirlo in his youth,
Commercial
“I used to be given a mug with Gattuso on it and I had breakfast with that for 4 or 5 years. It received smashed, which was disastrous, however I managed to piece it again collectively, and I nonetheless have it,” revealed the ex-Milan man.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his group’s first purpose in the course of the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Chelsea FC at St James’ Park on Could 11, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photograph by George Wooden/Getty Pictures)
Tonali turned the largest ever sale for Milan when making the transfer to Newcastle United, however does he take into consideration a return to Serie A?
Commercial
“It’s tough to say, you by no means can know what you may need to do or what may occur. I all the time say sure, as a result of as an Italian, you all the time have a risk even when it’s 1 per cent of coming again to Serie A.
“Possibly not proper now, as I’m in a second the place I’ve discovered my means and it’s all going effectively. I’d by no means shut the door to Serie A as a result of it’s my nation, and the league is getting higher on a regular basis. The groups are stronger and also you see the technical degree of Serie A rising.”
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – APRIL 02: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United applauds the followers after the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Brentford FC at St James’ Park on April 02, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photograph by George Wooden/Getty Pictures)
Commercial
“I noticed that, (Tottenham and Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo) Vicario instructed me right away. If you obtain compliments like that from such nice former gamers, it is rather pleasing, you might be virtually taken without warning. It’s beautiful.”
Is there a sport that Tonali want to play over again?
“The World Cup play-off with North Macedonia, every little thing went incorrect. We had 30 pictures on purpose and allowed one, we misplaced 1-0. It felt just like the ball weighed 50kg.”