Tonali: ‘Italy take the initiative now and enjoy our football’ | OneFootball

Sandro Tonali notes that Italy have changed after EURO 2024 because they ‘take the initiative’ and ‘enjoy ourselves on the field’ after his first international goal beat Belgium 1-0.

The Azzurri came out fighting in Brussels and took an early lead through Tonali, the Newcastle United man finishing off a well-worked team move for his first ever Italy goal.

Not only had he never scored for the Nazionale ahead of his 20th cap, but his last goal in all competition was in August 2023 for Newcastle against Aston Villa.

Admittedly, a lot of that was spent sitting out a ban for illegal gambling, but he has well and truly returned now.

Tonali has Italy in hand again

Sandro Tonali of Italy (R) scores the 0-1 goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Belgium and Italy in Brussels, Belgium, 14 November 2024. EPA-EFE/OLIVIER MATTHYS

“It is wonderful, because scoring a goal for Italy is good, but it is above all wonderful to win like this,” Tonali told RAI Sport.

“We fought hard, we played well and proved once again that we take the initiative, we do not concede it. That shows how much we have changed.

“The group is really confident and relaxed, we really can’t wait for the next get-together when it ends, because we enjoy ourselves on the field and have this sense of consistency.”

Italy had a few scares in Brussels, most notably the Wout Faes header flicked onto the upright after a set play routine, but held on for a clean sheet after eight consecutive fixtures conceding at least one goal.

Belgium showed their respect for the Nazionale by moving their tactical system to a 3-5-2 this evening.

“Every game is different, we were up against a very strong opponent and tried to find our spaces within the game. We tried in a certain way to begin with, then had to change entirely as it wore on, but that’s part of the game now,” added Tonali.

“We know what we do well and this is our approach.”

Italy have already qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals and now need only a point against France at San Siro on Sunday to guarantee winning the group.

This is because Les Bleus were held to a surprise 0-0 home draw by Israel.