Newcastle rest Tonali for derby clash ahead of crucial Italy decider | OneFootball

Sandro Tonali was not risked for the Tyne-Wear derby between Newcastle and Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, as the Italy international hopes to be fit enough to start for the Azzurri in Thursday evening’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland.

Why did Italy international Tonali not feature in Newcastle vs. Sunderland?

Tonali was taken off midway through Newcastle’s recent Champions League exit against Barcelona, raising concerns surrounding his fitness ahead of Italy’s crucial World Cup play-off campaign coming up this international break.

Fortunately, reports in Italy suggest that Tonali will be available for Gennaro Gattuso, but the former Milan midfielder was not risked for Newcastle’s Premier League match against bitter rivals Sunderland on Sunday.

Tonali was not even named among the substitutes at St. James’s Park. He was still present in the stands, and according to the latest updates, the decision to leave him out of the squad was purely on precautionary grounds.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James’ Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Tonali is expected to be part of the Italy side that hosts Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semi-final in Bergamo on Thursday evening. The winner of that tie will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home in the play-off final, which will be a one-legged decider for a spot in the final tournament.

Italy must win both fixtures if they are to avoid missing out on the World Cup for the third tournament cycle in a row.