Sandro Tonali stars with quality complete performance as a 5-0 thrashing in Bergamo | OneFootball

A typical quality all action display from Sandro Tonali for Italy in their World Cup group qualifier.

A match in Bergamo that Italy had to win and which they did very convincingly.

A 5-0 victory and Sandro Tonali creating the most chances (five) for teammates and also the player on the pitch completing the most dribbles.

The Newcastle United star unlucky not to get a goal of his own when an excellent volley was saved in the second-half.

The United midfielder one of a number of players rested once the match was won against Estonia, Tonali subbed off at 3-0 on 76 minutes.

Football Italia on the performance of Sandro Tonali:

‘Passing accuracy over 90%, won almost all duels (five out of six). Too bad his volley in the second half was saved by Hein.’

Whilst on his teammate Barella:

‘Like Tonali, he put in a complete performance as a central midfielder, although the Newcastle ace had even more quality.’

The Whoscored automated ratings seeing only Retegui of the 22 players who started the match, with a higher rating than Sandro Tonali.

With Israel winning 4-0 against Moldova, as you can see from this up to date qualifying group table, this is going to be tough for Italy to make sure of a play-off spot, never mind finishing top of the group and automatically qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals.

Italy would take a massive step towards guaranteeing at least a top two finish if winning away (neutral stadium in Hungary) against Israel on Monday.

Having already lost 3-0 away against Norway, Italy really up against it when it comes to finishing top and getting automatic qualification. So second and a play-off spot has to be seen as a minimum.

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

Thursday 4 September

Slovakia 2 Germany 0

Nick Woltemade making his third appearance for Germany but starved of service. Germany missing many of their best players, especially creatively. Germany deservedly beaten in their opening World Cup group qualifier. Rudiger and Tah especially poor in defence.

Friday 5 September

Brazil 3 Chile 0

Bruno Guimaraes putting in a top class performance in this dominant World Cup group qualifier victory. Topping it off by scoring the third and final goal, Bruno rated man of the match. Joelinton not named in the matchday squad and it appears he has stayed in Newcastle to make sure he comes back from injury against Wolves in eight days time.

Slovenia 2 Sweden 2

Emil Krafth remained on the bench as Sweden drew their first of six World Cup group qualifying matches. Anthony Elanga with a very good performance and scored a top quality goal when running from the halfway line, playing a one-two and applying a class finish, to give Sweden the lead on 18 minutes. Having departed as part of a double substitution on 64 minutes at 1-1, Anthony Elanga watching on from the bench as Sweden once again took the lead, only for heartbreak as a last gasp bit of poor defending allowed Slovenia a 90th minute equaliser.

South Sudan 1 DR Congo 4

Great news for Newcastle United and DR Congo, as Yoane Wissa looking good fitness-wise and in form. An assist and a goal, then subbed when 4-0 up to save him for Tuesday’s massive game against Senegal,, which could well decide which of the two qualifies for the 2026 World Cup finals.

Italy 5 Estonia 0

A typical quality all action display from Sandro Tonali. A match that Italy had to win and which they did very convincingly. The United midfielder one of a number of players rested once the match was won, Tonali subbed off at 3-0 on 76 minutes.

Denmark 0 Scotland 0

A first senior call up for Will Osula but the Newcastle United forward watched from the bench, as Denmark failing to score and disappointed not to win an opening World Cup group qualifying match they could and should have won.

Saturday 6 September

England v Andorra (Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento) World Cup group qualifier

Sunday 7 September

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

Monday 8 September

Israel v Italy (Sandro Tonali) World Cup group qualifier (Neutral venue – Hungary)

Greece v Denmark (Will Osula) World Cup group qualifier

Kosovo v Sweden (Emil Krafth, Anthony Elanga) World Cup group qualifier

Kazakhstan U21s v England U21s (Lewis Miley) U21s European Championship group qualifier

Tuesday 9 September

Serbia v England (Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento) World Cup group qualifier