‘Sandro Tonali was in a league of his own’ – Italian media rave reviews | OneFootball

Sandro Tonali making headlines in Italy.

A totally dominant man of the match performance as the Newcastle United star bossed the game.

Italy absolutely dominant as a shot count of 24 v 2 and corners 8 v 0 away against Estonia strongly suggests.

It would have been 9 v 0 when it came to shots on target, if not for an embarrassing error by Man City’s Donnarumma. Estonia gifted their one shot on target and a consolation goal when late in the game the Italy goalkeeper caught the ball and then inexplicably dropped it, gifting the easiest of chances.

By that point Italy were 3-0 and in total control of the match.

Sandro Tonali didn’t score or get an assist BUT the media in Italy in complete agreement that the NUFC player had been in a class of his own.

As perfectly summed up by…

Football Italia match ratings after Estonia 1 Italy 3, making the Newcastle United midfielder MOTM:

‘Sandro Tonali 8.5

Italy had a few strong performers tonight but the Newcastle United man was in a league of his own today.

Harking back to the iconic Italian centre-mids of yore, the 25-year-old showed his class this evening.’

Sandro Tonali played the full match as Italy made five subs in the midfield and forward positions, next up is another must win game at home to Israel on Tuesday.

This is how Group I currently looks on Sunday 12 October with only the top team to qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup finals and second top goes into the play-offs (The very final group matches will see Italy home to Norway in November).

This is the October 2025 international schedule for Newcastle United players:

Thursday 9 October

England 3 Wales 0

Anthony Gordon with an excellent first half, as did most of his teammates. England roared into a 3-0 lead after only 20 minutes and then as the game went on, they coasted to victory and countless subs made. Gordon the only one of the front six to play the full game, whilst Dan Burn an unused sub.

Friday 10 October

South Korea 0 Brazil 5

A world class assist from Bruno Guimaraes setting up Estevao to score the opener in this friendly. Joelinton remaining on the bench for the entirety of the game, Bruno subbed off on 79 minutes.

Germany 4  Luxembourg 0

An excellent team performance with Nick Woltemade leading the line for Germany.

The Newcastle United striker didn’t score himself but led the line so well, with link up play and his all round game helping to deliver a commanding victory in this World Cup group qualifier.

Sweden 0 Switzerland 2

Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga watching on from the bench as this must win World Cup group qualifier ended in defeat.

Sweden standing next to no chance now of appearing at the 2026 finals.

With three group games still left to play, Sweden eight points behind Switzerland.

Estonia 1 Italy 3

Sandro Tonali bossing this World Cup group qualifier, rated man of the match across the Italian media and Football Italia perfectly summing up his brilliant performance…

‘Italy had a few strong performers tonight but the Newcastle United man was in a league of his own today. Harking back to the iconic Italian centre-mids of yore, the 25-year-old showed his class this evening.’

Monday 13 October

Northern Ireland v Germany (Nick Woltemade) World Cup group qualifier

Sweden v Kosovo (Anthony Elanga) World Cup group qualifier

Tuesday 14 October

Italy v Israel (Sandro Tonali) World Cup group qualifier

Latvia v England (Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn) World Cup group qualifier