‘Magical, Inspired, Fabulous’ Sandro Tonali scores and turns on style but Italy lose to Germany | OneFootball

Returning to the San Siro on Thursday night, Sandro Tonali turned on a personal performance that was ‘Inspired’ and ‘Magical’ and was easily the top Italian star on the night.

The top class form continuing on from Sunday when he helped Newcastle United outclass Liverpool and lift the Carabao Cup at Wembley.

Sandro Tonali gave Italy a ninth minute lead and ran the show, as he created a number of chances that were wasted by teammates, as Italy dominated the opening half against Germany.

However, it was the visitors who would eventually prevail in the first leg of this Nations League play-off, as they fought back and second-half goals from Kleindienst and Goretzka earned a 2-1 victory.

The media across Italy were universal in their praise of Sandro Tonali and made him man of the match for the home side with the Italian top player rating, here are a couple of examples:

Football Italia site – Italy player ratings v Germany:

‘Sandro Tonali 7.5

Scored his second international goal after a quick counter-attack. Could have netted the second one from outside the box before the break, but his shot from the edge of the box was blocked. Inspired. A magical week.’

Cult of Calcio site – Italy player ratings v Germany:

‘Sandro Tonali – 7.5

The Newcastle Star had a fabulous outing on his San Siro return. Broke the deadlock with a well-taken shot and put Kean and Raspadori on with lovely flicks. Didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.’

The automated ratings site Whoscored also rated Sandro Tonali by far the best player for Italy, the only player on the pitch with a higher rating was Kimmich, who got assists for both of Germany’s goals:

Sandro Tonali and his international teammates face Germany away in the second leg of this Nations League play-off on Sunday.

Watch the Sandro Tonali goal below:

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

Thursday 20 March

Italy 1 Germany 2

Sandro Tonali man of the match for Italy in this Nations League play-off first leg.

Scored a very well taken ninth minute goal and ran the show for Italy, creating great chances for teammates that were wasted. Germany fighting back though to win it with two second-half goals.

Friday 21 March

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

Brazil v Colombia (Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton) World Cup group qualifier

Saturday 22 March

Luxembourg v Sweden (Alexander Isak) Friendly

Sunday 23 March

Scotland v Greece (Odysseas Vlachodimos) Nations League Play-Off

Germany v Italy (Sandro Tonali) Nations League Play-Off

Slovenia v Slovakia (Martin Dubravka) Nations League Play-Off

Monday 24 March

England v Latvia (Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn) World Cup group qualification

Tuesday 25 March

Wednesday 26 March