Sandro Tonali has had better days… | OneFootball

Not a great night for Sandro Tonali.

Italy playing in Oslo against Norway in a World Cup group qualifier.

Due to Nations League commitments, Italy having their first group match, whilst their rivals in Group I had all played twice.

Norway sitting top on six points with two wins and with only the winners of each group guaranteed a place in the 2026 World Cup finals, it was imperative that Italy got off to a good start in Oslo.

Conceding on 14 minutes to a Sorloth goal, Nusa and Haaland then added two more by the break, Norway then able to sit back and cruise through the second half.

The Italian fans and media appear to have apportioned most of the blame for this shock heavy defeat to the manager, Spalletti finding himself under pressure after just this one group match, especially with Italy not qualifying for the last two World Cups.

Nobody on the Italian team covered themselves in glory but as you can see from these match ratings, only two rated higher than Sandro Tonali.

‘Donnarumma 6, Di Lorenzo 4, Coppola 5, Bastoni 4, Zappacosta 4.5, Barella 4.5, Rovella 4, Tonali 4.5, Udogie 4.5, Raspadori 4.5, Retegui 4.5, Coach: Spalletti 3

Tonali 4.5 – Not sure if he should have played as a playmaker or box-to-box midfielder. The Newcastle star looked confused, but surely wasn’t the only one.’

Spalletti played a 3-5-2 formation and of the seven in midfield and up front, only Barella and Sandro Tonali were not subbed off, suggesting they were the best of a bad bunch on the night.

Group I looked to be a straight fight between Norway and Italy for the top spot that guarantees a place at the 2026 World Cup (There are 12 European qualifying groups and the 12 runners-up go into play-offs (along with teams who have done well in the Nations League) to decide the other four qualifiers).

This is how Group I now looks on Saturday morning:

After just the one match, in such a weak group it looks like Italy now have it all to do to finish above Norway.

Monday sees a must win match for Sandro Tonali and his teammates as they are playing at home to Moldova, whist they can dream of Estonia giving them a surprise helping hand as they are home to Norway on the same night.

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

Thursday 5 June

Ecuador 0 Brazil 0

Bruno Guimaraes was one of Brazil’s better players in this dour World Cup group qualifier, Ancelotti’s first game in charge. In the Goal ratings only Marquinhos (8/10) getting a higher rating than Bruno Guimaraes (7/10). A match of minimal chances at either end and when Vinicius Junior set up the best opportunity of the game for Casemiro, it was a feeble effort from the Man U player. A win would have seen Brazil pretty much sure of qualifying but a point means a little more work to do to make sure.

Friday 6 June

Norway 3 Italy 0

Sandro Tonali and his teammates had a night to forget in this World Cup group qualifier. Three goals down by the break, the home side cruised to this big victory. Only the group winners automatically qualify and Italy already under pressure, as Norway have nine points from the first three of the eight group games they each have to play.

Saturday 7 June

Andorra v England (Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn) World Cup group qualifier (Neutral venue – Barcelona)

Greece v Slovakia (Odysseas Vlachodimos, Martin Dubravka) Friendly

Monday 9 June

Italy v Moldova (Sandro Tonali) World Cup group qualifier

Tuesday 10 June

England v Senegal (Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn) Friendly

Greece v Bulgaria (Odysseas Vlachodimos) Friendly