Sandro Tonali has been at the centre of several headlines over the past few days.

First, there was his absence from our squad last Sunday, with the Italian arriving at St James’ Park but unable to play as we fell to a crushing 2-1 defeat at home to Sunderland.

Since then, the 25-year-old has been away with Italy, hoping to be back fit in time for their World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland on Thursday night.

Then there’s been the transfer speculation. Relentless links to Man Utd, followed by a bombshell claim just yesterday afternoon that there is a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ that allows him to leave should Newcastle United fail to secure European football next season.

A lot has been said, but Tonali did his talking on the pitch last night in what proved to be an important evening for the Italian national team.

Tonali plays starring role

After recovering from injury in time to start in last night’s World Cup play-off semi-final at home to Northern Ireland, Sandro Tonali inspired his country to a 2-0 win.

Starting at the Stadio di Bergamo, Tonali not only broke the deadlock with a 56th minute thunderbolt (watch below), but played a key role in Italy’s second goal, setting up Moise Keane to score in the 80th minute.

The 2-0 win means Italy and Tonali will take on Bosnia on Tuesday for a place in this summer’s World Cup finals in North America. Watch the Newcastle midfielder’s brilliant strike and late assist below.

Advantage Italy!

Sandro Tonali with a thunderous opener for the hosts 🚀#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/d85EmorpEY

— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) March 26, 2026

Kean with number two!

Italy have one foot in the World Cup play-off final.#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/7zhlfq9uGk

— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) March 26, 2026

Tonali can’t down tools for Toon

For starters, while there will be natural frustration that Tonali missed our derby defeat just days before starring for Italy in a vital win, it is very possible that he wasn’t deemed ready to play on Sunday and made a recovery five days later.

I don’t buy the idea that he ‘didn’t fancy it’ against Sunderland and saved himself for Italy. Keith Downie at Sky Sports insists he wanted to play, but wasn’t considered fit enough by Newcastle medics.

However, moving forward, our view of the former AC Milan star will change if he returns from international duty looking like a man who has one eye on a move; not saving Newcastle’s season in the final seven games of 2025/26.