Sandro Tonali: The Impressively Talented & Exciting Italian Midfielder

Sandro Tonali  is one of the most exciting and talented midfielders in football today, with a calm and technique that belies his age. Tonali is set to become one of the best Italian midfielders to ever play the game.

Alongside Cesare Casadei and Jorginho, they are part of a talented group of Italian midfielders plying their trade in the English Premier League.

Still only 24, Tonali still has come a long from an AC Milan reject to becoming one of the most exciting and sought after midfielders today. Join us as we explore the journey of the Italian regista and mezzala, Sandro Tonali.

Player Profile – Sandro Tonali

Sandro Tonali has quickly risen to prominence as one of football’s brightest young midfielders who plays for Newcastle United and the Italian national. He tarting his career at Brescia Calcio, Tonali’s performances in Serie B, particularly the 2017–18 season, showcased his talent and earned Brescia promotion to Serie A.

In 2020, he joined AC Milan on loan, where his versatility and creativity flourished. The loan was followed by a permanent move, and in July 2021, Tonali made a high-profile transfer to Newcastle United, furthering his career in the Premier League.

On the international stage, Tonali has represented Italy at various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2020. His playing style, blending elegance, dynamism, and tactical intelligence, positions him as a standout talent with a promising future.

Player Profile Overview

Sandro Tonali’s Early Life and Background

Sandro Tonali was born on May 8, 2000, in Lodi, Italy, to parents Mariarosa and Giandomenico Tonali. He grew up in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, a small town near Milan, alongside his older siblings, Enrico and Matilde.

His early years were heavily influenced by his grandmother, Nonna Biagina, who played a significant role in his upbringing. Tonali’s love for football began in the local oratory near his home, where a football field stood close by. He would spend hours playing there, honing his skills.

At just five years old, he joined the local team San Rocco 80, where his talent was immediately recognized. His grandmother played a key role in nurturing his early passion, taking him to training and cheering him on. As he developed, his family’s support continued to fuel his ambition to become a professional footballer.

After starting at San Rocco, Sandro Tonali moved to Lombardia Uno, an AC Milan-affiliated academy, where he began to dream of playing for the club he adored. His early journey was not without challenges.

In a blow to his aspirations, AC Milan rejected him during youth trials, citing that he lacked standout technical skills. After this disappointment, he joined Piacenza and later moved to Brescia, where he would rise through the ranks and make his professional debut.

Sandro Tonali’s Playing Style and Strength

Sandro Tonali is a versatile and technically gifted midfielder known for his regista role, where he excels in controlling the game with his vision and passing.

Often compared to Andrea Pirlo for his playmaking abilities, Tonali can also adapt to various midfield roles, including box-to-box and advanced positions.

His strong, energetic playstyle, accurate long passes, and set-piece skills are complemented by a tenacious defensive contribution.

Sandro Tonali: The Rise of the New Pirlo

After suffering rejection by AC Milan, Sandro Tonali’s journey began in the youth ranks of Piacenza before moving to join Brescia Calcio, where he showcased his potential. Tonali made his professional debut for Brescia in 2017, marking the start of what would become a remarkable career.

His performances were instrumental in Brescia winning the Serie B title and gaining promotion to Serie A in the 2018-19 season. Tonali’s impressive performances during the 2018-19 Serie B season, earned him the Serie B Young Player of the Year award.

At Brescia, Tonali notably played alongside Mario Balotelli, a seasoned forward who brought valuable experience to the Brescia squad.

Following in Pirlo’s Footsteps to Play for AC Milan

Just like Pirlo who started his career with Brescia and later played for AC Milan, Sandro Tonali also joined AC Milan on loan with an obligation to buy. The move took place ahead of the 2020-21 season and was highly anticipated given his promising reputation.

His debut season with Milan was marked by significant contributions to the team’s midfield, helping the Rossoneri secure a top-four finish in Serie A and qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

Sandro Tonali played a key role in Milan’s 2020-21 Serie A title-winning season, their first league title in over a decade. His performances were crucial in securing the Scudetto, showcasing his growth and importance to the team.

Signing Permanently For AC Milan

Following his successful loan spell, Sandro Tonali’s move was made permanent in 2021. During this period, he continued to be a pivotal figure for the club, demonstrating his ability to control the tempo of the game and contribute both defensively and offensively.

Tonali’s consistency and leadership on the pitch contributed to AC Milan’s strong domestic and European campaigns. His performances helped Milan secure a second-place finish in Serie A in the 2021-22 season.

During his time at AC Milan, he was part of a talented squad that included players like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Theo Hernández, and Rafael Leão, each contributing to Milan’s successes.

Sandro Tonali’s English Adventure

In July 2023, Tonali made a high-profile move to Newcastle United in the Premier League, marking a new chapter in his career. The transfer was a significant step, highlighting his growing reputation as one of Europe’s top midfielders.

Tonali’s adaptation to the Premier League has been closely watched, and his performances have already begun to make an impact on Newcastle’s midfield, contributing to their ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.

However, his life in England hit a bump as he was given a 10-months gamblig ban from all football related activities. The ban affected him both on the club level and international level.

At Newcastle, Sandro Tonali is part of a new and exciting project at Newcastle featuring the likes of Bruno Guimarães, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Sandro Tonali: Dominating on the International Stage

Sandro Tonali’s first major appearance on the international scene came with the Italy U19 team during the 2018 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. As a key player, he helped Italy reach the final of the tournament, showcasing his ability to control the tempo of the game and dictate play from deep midfield.

Although Italy fell to Portugal in a dramatic 4–3 extra-time loss in the final, Tonali’s performances throughout the tournament were widely praised. Tonali’s standout performance earned him a place in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament, a significant recognition of his talent at a young age.

Playing For the Italy U21 Side

Following his success with the U19s, Tonali made his debut for the Italy U21 team in March 2019, in a friendly against Austria. He participated in the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where he gained valuable experience playing against stronger, more competitive opponents.

Throughout his time with the U21s, Tonali became a regular starter and a key player in the midfield, playing alongside future stars like Moise Kean, Nicolo Zaniolo, and Gianluca Scamacca.

His leadership qualities and ability to control the game from deep midfield earned him praise, helping Italy maintain their reputation as a competitive youth side in Europe.

Making His Azzurri Debut

Tonali’s potential was recognized early by Italy manager Roberto Mancini, who called him up to the senior Italy national team in November 2018, even before his full debut for the U21s.

However, he had to wait until October 15, 2019, to make his senior debut in a 5–0 win against Liechtenstein during Italy’s UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.

Coming on as a substitute, Tonali displayed composure and maturity beyond his years, earning praise for his ability to seamlessly adapt to the senior team.

Sandro Tonali’s first start for Italy came in November 2019 during a 3–0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. His performance further solidified his role in Mancini’s squad, where he has continued to feature regularly.

Although Tonali was part of the national setup during Italy’s successful Euro 2020 campaign, he did not feature in the tournament matches. However, he is regarded as one of the future cornerstones of the Italian midfield, expected to lead the next generation of Italian footballers.

Sandro Tonali at EURO 2024

Sandro Tonali continued to be a important cog in Italy’s midfield delivering several performances for the Azzurri. However, he missed the Italy’s defence of their EURO crown they won in the 2020 edition due to a 10 month betting ban.

Tonali’s presence has been crucial in Italy’s midfield, providing balance between defense and attack while playing alongside some of Italy’s top talents, such as Marco Verratti, Jorginho, and Nicolò Barella.

Sandro Tonali’s Off-Field Issues and Gambling Ban

Sandro Tonali received a 10-month ban from football in October 2023 for illegal betting on matches, including games involving teams he plays for. The ban also includes a suspended eight-month sentence and mandatory rehabilitation and community service.

The scandal impacted both his club international career, as he will be unable to participate in football-related activities during this period. He missed a the rest of the 2023-24 Premier League season and  the EURO 2024 tournament in Germany where the Azzurri lost to Switzerland in the round of 16.

Idols and Influence in Football

Sandro Tonali has cited Gennaro Gattuso as a major influence and idol from his early years, particularly admiring his tenacity, work ethic, and leadership on the pitch. Although Tonali plays more as a deep-lying playmaker, he has always looked up to Gattuso’s fierce defensive style and passion for the game.

Additionally, Tonali grew up using a cup adorned with Gattuso’s image, further highlighting the personal connection and admiration he has for the former AC Milan legend.

Who Does Sandro Tonali  Play Like?

Sandro Tonali’s playing style is often compared to Andrea Pirlo for his deep-lying playmaker role, controlling the tempo with precise long passes. He also shares Gennaro Gattuso’s tenacity and defensive aggression, while combining the box-to-box versatility of Steven Gerrard.

Additionally, Tonali’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, along with his composure under pressure, is similar to Luka Modrić. Overall, Tonali is a hybrid of these midfield greats, blending playmaking, defensive grit, and all-around versatility.

Sandro Tonali’s Personal Life

Away from football, Sandro Tonali enjoys spending time at the seaside, often retreating to picturesque coastal locations to relax and recharge. Tonali is known to enjoy his vacations with his girlfriend, Juliette Pastore, with whom he shares a peaceful and private relationship.

Sandro Tonali also has a deep love for football history and legends. As a child, he idolized Gennaro Gattuso, a former AC Milan star, and even had a teacup with Gattuso’s image, which became a cherished item in his childhood. His admiration for Gattuso’s tenacity and leadership continues to influence his playing style to this day.

Tonali is a devout Catholic household, in fact, Tonali’s connection to his faith was publicly displayed when he met Pope Francis in October 2019, a moment that symbolized the importance of his Catholic beliefs.

Conclusion

Sandro Tonali’s rise from Brescia’s youth academy to the heights of European football is a testament to his exceptional talent and versatility.

His journey through AC Milan and Newcastle United, combined with his impact on the Italian national team, solidifies his status as one of football’s brightest young midfielders with a promising future ahead.