With Toon-bound Sandro Tonali set to become the most expensive Italian in history, we’ve found some brilliant quotes Azzurri legends Andrea Pirlo and Francesco Totti; two huge fans of the 23-year-old talent.
Totti – the former Roma hero who now owns his own agency – backed him to “become one of the world’s best midfielders” during his time at Brescia, describing him as a “mix between Pirlo and Gattuso”.
Speaking to TV presenter Paolo Bonolis during an Instagram Live chat, the 46-year-old said:
”Now that I am intensely involved in scouting, I can only say that there are many good young players. Tonali is the most talented of all.
“He will become one of the strongest central midfielders in the world, like Gerrard, De Rossi or Lampard. He’s a mix between Pirlo and [Gennaro] Gattuso too. He has everything a player can have.
“He has an incredible change of pace, he’s technically good and he’s always calm, both in important games and in easy games.”
“He’ll become one of the World’s best midfielders. He has everything a great player should have – technically gifted, good mentality and sharp in any situation.”
He’s drawn comparisons to Milan great Andrea Pirlo, however, the midfield maestro has explained why Tonali is “different” to him, despite his long hair and impressive passing range.
Speaking in 2020, here’s what Pirlo had to say about the highly-rated Italian:
“He is very good but he is different from me on the pitch.
“He has everything to be a champion but he is more a midfielder for a two-man midfield. He could already play for a great team; he is the best in this league.”
Their comments come from his time at Brescia – who he left to join AC Milan in 2021 – yet it’s thought Tonali’s game has come on even further since then.
What an exciting signing for Newcastle United and major statement to kick-off our summer spending.
