Italian media reacts to Gnonto red card and tears for Italy U21 | OneFootball

Even if Camine Nunziata complained about the referee in Italy U21’s loss to Germany on Sunday, Italian media hints that Leeds’ striker’s second yellow card was deserved: ‘His Euros never really started.’

The Azzurrini faced a Euro U21 quarter-final elimination at the hands of Germany last night, but only surrendered at minute 117 down to two men.

Why was Gnonto sent off for Italy U21?

epa10710974 Italy’s Wilfried Gnonto celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the UEFA Under-21 Championship group stage match between Switzerland and Italy in Cluj, Romania, 25 June 2023. EPA-EFE/ALEX NICODIM

Leeds striker Gnonto was booked twice during regular time, receiving his marching orders at minute 81.

The 21-year-old left the pitch in tears and saw his teammate Mattia Zanotti receive two yellow cards again just before minute 90.

Italian media suggest that Zanotti’s sending off was not entirely fair, while Gnonto’s red card was not out of the ordinary.

Gnonto player ratings after Italy U21 loss to Germany

LEEDS, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Wilfried Gnonto of Leeds United lduring the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Rotherham United at Elland Road on February 10, 2024 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

“His Euros never really started and finished with a red card and tears,” wrote Gazzetta.

Both the pink paper and Gazzetta rated Gnonto 5/10, but the Turin-based paper was satisfied with the striker’s performance until he was sent off.

https://www.gazzetta.it/calcio/nazionali/eurou21/23-06-2025/nunziata-attacca-partita-rovinata-dall-arbitro-la-germania-la-palla-l-ha-vista-poco.shtml?refresh_ce

“He ruined a performance made of pressure and sacrifice with an avoidable tackle, 87 yards away from the goal, which cost him a second yellow card,” wrote Tuttosport.

Gnonto secured Premier League promotion with Leeds United in the 2024-25 season, contributing nine goals and six assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.

New Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso was in the stands to watch the Azzurrini last night.