It’s been a whirlwind few months for Sandro Tonali. He captained Italy’s U21s at the European Championships, sealed a £55m move to St James’ Park, scored on his debut in a 5-1 win over Aston Villa and is now back in the senior Italian side.
On Saturday night, he started Luciano Spelletti’s first match in charge in their EURO qualifier against North Macedonia. Things were going well when Ciro Immobile gave them a 1-0 lead, but there was late heartbreak as Enis Bardhi’s 81st minute free kick meant two points dropped, leaving the Italian’s third in Group C.
Only the top two nations qualify for EURO 2024 and Italy currently sit three points behind Ukraine and nine behind England. They do have games in hand, but Saturday’s setback makes Tuesday night’s clash with Ukraine a mammoth game for Tonali; who is back at the San Siro for tomorrow’s game and next Tuesday’s Champions League clash with AC Milan.
After failing to qualify for the World Cup, Italy are under pressure and know a win over Ukraine could be essential. Win and they’ll be level with Ukraine with a game in hand. Lose and there’ll be a six-point gap, leaving them with a mountain to climb in Group C.
So, while England take on Scotland, we’ll have one eye on Italy and Tonali as they bid to get their EURO 2024 hopes back on track.
Speaking to the Italian media about the draw with North Macedonia, he said:
“It is not what we hoped for, not the result we wanted to take back home.
Disappointment is natural, just as it is right that North Macedonia celebrate their result.
“This is football, every game is difficult at international level. Now we need to get back on track because in a few days there is another important match. We need to get back to being Italy.
“We controlled the game well and had numerous chances. However, we were unable to deal with their reaction in the final 15 minutes.
“It is a pity, as we allowed them very few opportunities, but it was enough to pay for it with a draw.”
