Sandro Tonali – CaughtOffside

Eddie Howe says Newcastle star has ‘points to prove’ after long absence

CJ — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 17:40:55 +0000

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says Sandro Tonali is ‘really fit and focused’ ahead of his highly anticipated return to competitive action.

The Italy international has been banned from football since October 2023 due to betting offences, although he has been allowed to train with the Newcastle first team during that time.

Tonali’s ban expires at the end of August, making him eligible for Newcastle’s home clash against Tottenham Hotspur on the 31st. If he plays, it’ll be the 24-year-old’s first time out on a competitive pitch since a 25-minute appearance against Borussia Dortmund during the Champions League group stage on October 25th, 2023.

In preparation for his return, Tonali reportedly featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley earlier in the week, with the game arranged specifically to help the Italian get up to speed.

And surprisingly, Tonali has also been included in the Newcastle squad that will travel to Japan for friendlies next week against Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F. Marinos, even though he will not be permitted to play in either match.

Howe: Tonali has points to prove

Newcastle ace Sandro Tonali won’t be playing football again until August.

Speaking after Newcastle’s 2-0 friendly win over Hull on Saturday — which Tonali, of course, did not play in — Howe was full of praise for the midfielder’s attitude and believes he has ‘points to prove’.

“He’s come back really fit and focused,” said Howe. “You can see a change in his demeanour – there is definitely a change in him in terms of feeling as he is closer to playing. It is very difficult when you have that stretch ahead of you and you are not going to play competitively for such a length of time.

“He now looks ready to play and ready to make a difference, he does feel like an absolute new signing and somebody we desperately missed last year.

“He will feel like he’s got points to prove and objectives to hit. He came here with very clear motivations to be successful. He is a deep thinker and someone who wants to do very well. I have no doubt he will.”

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Eddie Howe says Newcastle star is showing an ‘edge’ ahead of long-awaited return

CJ — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 19:23:39 +0000

Eddie Howe says Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali is showing an ‘edge’ as his long-awaited return to action creeps ever closer.

The Italy international has been banned from football since October 2023 due to betting offences, although he has been allowed to train with the Newcastle first team during that time.

Tonali’s ban expires at the end of August, making him eligible for Newcastle’s home clash against Tottenham Hotspur on the 31st. If he plays, it’ll be the 24-year-old’s first time out on the pitch since a 25-minute appearance against Borussia Dortmund during the Champions League group stage on October 25th, 2023.

The midfielder’s return will offer a huge boost for the Magpies as they look for an improved campaign after failing to qualify for Europe altogether last season.

Howe reveals Sandro Tonali ‘edge’

Tonali is currently training alongside his Newcastle teammates at the club’s pre-season camp in Germany.

Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle from the camp on Friday, Howe believes Tonali is stepping up the gears as the excitement around his return to action starts to build.

Eddie Howe insists he’ll stay at Newcastle on one condition amid England links

“I think he’s in a good place. I think he’s come back fit,” Howe said of the former AC Milan man.

“I see a slight difference in Sandy now because he knows he’s close [to returning], and for a player knowing they’re not going to be picked for 10 months, that is very tough mentally to have that edge to your game.

“His edge is there now because he knows it is around the corner. He will miss the start [of the season] but he’s a massive player for us.”

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Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali ruled out for another three matches

CJ — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 18:43:35 +0000

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali will miss three more matches as he waits to finally return to competitive football.

The Italy international has been banned from football since October 2023 due to betting offences, although he has been allowed to train with the Newcastle first team during that time.

Tonali’s ban expires at the end of August, making him eligible for Newcastle’s home clash against Tottenham Hotspur on the 31st. If he plays, it’ll be the 24-year-old’s first time out on the pitch since a 25-minute appearance against Borussia Dortmund during the Champions League group stage on October 25th, 2023.

Even a return date of the 31st, however, is slightly later than some fans were expecting.

Tonali return date delayed

We already knew that Tonali would miss Newcastle’s opening two fixtures of the 2024/25 Premier League season, at home to Southampton and away to Bournemouth, respectively.

However, it’s now become clear he will also sit out their Carabao Cup second-round tie, which is scheduled to be played on the week starting August 26th.

A club statement published by Newcastle highlighted his return date as the 27th of August. However, an official release from the Football Association — as reported by the Shields Gazette — has stated the 29th of August as his official return date.

The second round of this season’s Carabao Cup is scheduled to take place across the 27th and 28th of August, ending Tonali’s hopes of featuring and picking up what would have been valuable match practice before coming back into Newcastle’s Premier League picture.

The FA document read: “An 18-month ban imposed by the FIGC for similar [betting] offences to those admitted by [Tonali] in these proceedings. 10 months of that ban is effective from 27 October 2023 to 29 August 2024.”

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Newcastle star Sandro Tonali linked with shock AC Milan return

Charlie Patrick — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 21:30:07 +0000

Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has been linked with a shock return to AC Milan according to reports in the Italian media.

Tonali swapped Milan for Newcastle last summer in a deal worth £55m with the Italian signing a five year contract at St James’ Park.

The 24-year-old made 12 appearances in all competitions before being hit with a 10 month ban in October last year over breaches of rules on betting on matches in Italy.

Tonali to return to AC Milan?

The Italy international’s ban expires on August 27th and he will then be free to play a part in Newcastle’s season.

The Magpies have stuck by Tonali and supported the midfielder during his ban, and with the money invested they clearly planned for him to play a key role at the club.

Tonali will almost feel like a new signing given he missed the majority of last season, but reports in the Italian media are saying he could be in line for a return to AC Milan.

Tonali has been linked with a return to Italy and former club AC Milan.

Journalist Tiziano Crudeli has spoken about AC Milan’s summer transfer business and suggested Tonali could be in line for a return to the San Siro

“The operation would be an equal exchange with Tomori,” he told CalcioMercato.it.

“Tonali is a player who can be useful to Milan’s midfield, but we need some other graft, we need players who can recover the ball.

“It’s a swap that can fit, Tomori is coming off a disappointing year.

“An equal exchange without investment is fine, it’s clear that certain evaluations in the past have been wrong.”

£55m Newcastle man handed suspended two-month ban and fined thousands after breaches

Darren Looney — Thu, 02 May 2024 15:30:06 +0000

Newcastle summer signing Sandro Tonali has been handed a suspended two-month ban and has been fined £20,000 after admitting to breaching the FA’s betting rules since the Magpies.

The Italian moved to St James’ Park ahead of the current season as part of a £55m deal with AC Milan. The deal was seen as a big coup for the Tyneside club but the transfer has turned out to be a disaster.

The midfielder is currently serving a 10-month ban for illegal betting imposed by the Italian FA last October. That has left Eddie Howe short in the middle of the park this season but things looked like it may get worse for Tonali.

In March, the 23-year-old was charged by the FA with 50 new allegations of betting on football matches after joining Newcastle. This had fans of the Premier League club worried that the Italian’s 10-month ban would be increased but that will not be the case.

According to the Daily Mail, it has been decided that Tonali will be free to play from August 27, with the midfielder being handed a suspended two-month ban and a £20,000 fine by the FA.

Sandro Tonali will return to action for Newcastle on August 27

The FA have made the correct decision on Sandro Tonali’s future

This is the right decision for the FA to make as it is clear that Tonali has a gambling problem as he knew about the Italian investigation into him when placing bets at Newcastle.

The midfielder is already being punished for that and will be seeking help for his issues during the months he is out of action. It would have been harsh for the FA to add to the player’s problems but it was also something that could not go unpunished so their ruling seems fair.

The football world hopes Tonali gets better and can return to action in August with a new lease of life.

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Newcastle ace Tonali hopeful over new return date

Jason Pettigrove — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:23:25 +0000

It’s been a long, hard road for Sandro Tonali at Newcastle United, but the end is in sight for the Italian.

Banned for 10 months because of illegal betting activity, the attacking midfielder has been allowed to train with the Magpies first-team squad to keep up his fitness ready for the start of next season when his ban will end.

Eddie Howe has been at great pains in his interviews when talking about Tonali to suggest that the player has been punished enough already, indirectly putting pressure on those who will decide if further betting activity, uncovered whilst he was a Newcastle player, is deserving of a further ban.

Tonali waiting on the FA

According to Chronicle Live, Tonali has now responded to the latest FA charge and now has to play a waiting game to see what they decide.

If there’s a general consensus that keeping the player out for a longer period actually doesn’t benefit anyone, there is a chance that he will resume his career from the third Premier League game of next season.

Eddie Howe has been a vocal supporter of Sandro Tonali

Were the FA to consider the new charges worthy of further punishment, however, then it’s anyone’s guess as to how long they keep the Italian on the sidelines.

That would also raise the possibility of the player succumbing to his addiction once more, and the spiral continuing.

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Amidst all of this, Newcastle have spent a not insignificant amount of money on a player that scored on his debut and looked likely to become a fan favourite at St. James’ Park.

His swift ban and removal from the match day squads for the rest of the season has meant that the Toon Army have got nowhere close to seeing the best of him.

Had he played in the latter Champions League group stage matches, the team might well have had a better chance of qualification.

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EXCL: Amorim and De Zerbi in the frame at Liverpool, no Ashworth update, de Jong latest, Man City v Arsenal prediction & more

Fabrizio Romano — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 19:00:00 +0000

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive articles via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

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Ashworth situation unchanged, Tonali protected

Both Newcastle and Man United remain in contact over Dan Ashworth. Things aren’t quiet behind the scenes as the clubs are still negotiating. It’s an important deal, an important negotiation so let’s see what happens.

We can’t predict the timing as it depends on the clubs but the discussions continue taking place. In any case, Man United have decided to go for Ashworth and their plan for him won’t change for sure.

Regarding Sandro Tonali, guys I’m not into the legal world to be able to give an opinion on what’s fair and unfair, but Newcastle believe that Sandro doesn’t deserve another punishment.

Tonali has always been collaborative throughout the process, he is prepared to continue to do so, and Newcastle will back and protect their player in any case.

I expect goals galore in the City v Arsenal game

What a weekend of football ahead!

There are so many great games to watch over the next days including Bayern vs Dortmund, Marseille vs PSG and Real Madrid vs Athletic Club.

Not forgetting the biggest fixture of all in my opinion; Manchester City vs Arsenal.

It will be fantastic as always and will also be important for the title race, so I’m looking forward to that one.

It will be a battle and I think we’ll see many goals this time!

Frenkie de Jong still happy at Barcelona

Despite the new rumours that have been in the news this week which suggest that Barcelona are considering selling Frenkie de Jong, I’m not aware of this honestly.

Frenkie has said many times in public that he’s very happy at Barça, and Laporta even said just a couple of days ago that Frenkie is a crucial part of the club’s project.

So, at the moment, the situation between the parties is understood to be very calm.

Xabi Alonso stays at Bayer Leverkusen

Important news broke on Friday as Xabi Alonso announced that he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more season, meaning Liverpool and Bayern Munich will need to look for other managerial targets this summer.

Xabi will lead Bayer Leverkusen into the Champions League next season, but probably an important point to touch upon is regarding his team because he wants many top players to stay at the club; Florian Wirtz, Victor Boniface, Alejandro Grimaldo and others.

It’s also important to say that Leverkusen will sign players in the summer to support Xabi Alonso, so everything is being prepared in the sense.

Xabi believes that this team still has a lot to improve and develop. He’s been very clear on this because he believes that with some good signings, Bayer can compete to win titles again next season. In my opinion it was not too early for him to move on, he’s an excellent coach and ready for any club, but I understand his decision.

A crucial point too is that his release clause is valid in 2025. It was never active this summer, but it will be in summer 2025 and many clubs are aware of that; Liverpool, Bayern… and also Real Madrid.

Liverpool turn to Amorim and De Zerbi

Xabi Alonso’s decision means that Liverpool have to turn their attentions elsewhere for a new manager.

Keep an eye on two that I’ve already mentioned here multiple times.

Ruben Amorim is higher on the list as of now, and Roberto De Zerbi. They are two of the candidates but not the only ones for the Liverpool job.

There could be also other candidates so we will see what Liverpool will decide internally.

Liverpool are well informed on Amorim’s contract at Sporting and in my opinion he’s a very good coach. Sometimes he’s been underrated but his level is very good.

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Exclusive: “Their plan for him won’t change” – Man United moving forward in Ashworth pursuit as Newcastle look to protect Tonali

Jason Pettigrove — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 08:30:00 +0000

It continues to be a tumultuous time at both Man United and Newcastle.

The two Premier League clubs are intertwined at present given that the Red Devils plundered the Magpies for their sporting director, Dan Ashworth.

For now, Ashworth remains on gardening leave from the St. James’ Park outfit and is in a sort of professional limbo given that he’s unable to do anything at Old Trafford until a compensation package can be agreed.

Ashworth talks continue between Man United and Newcastle

As Fabrizio Romano said to CaughtOffside in his exclusive Daily Briefing, negotiations are ongoing.

“Both Newcastle and Man United remain in contact over Dan Ashworth. Things aren’t quiet behind the scenes as the clubs are still negotiating. It’s an important deal, an important negotiation so let’s see what happens,” he said.

“We can’t predict the timing as it depends on the clubs but the discussions continue taking place. In any case, Man United have decided to go for Ashworth and their plan for him won’t change for sure.”

Newcastle also have other urgent business to attend to regarding their currently banned midfielder, Sandro Tonali.

A worldwide 10-month ban for betting whilst he as an AC Milan player has meant that the Italian can’t be picked again by Eddie Howe until August at the earliest.

Newcastle ace Sandro Tonali won’t be playing football again until next season

During the latter part of the week, the FA charged Tonali over further alleged bets, this time placed whilst he was a player at Newcastle.

Though it apparently hasn’t surprised the club, who were made aware of the issue by the player earlier in the campaign, it’s come as a huge shock to the wider footballing community.

“Regarding Sandro Tonali, guys I’m not into the legal world to be able to give an opinion on what’s fair and unfair, but Newcastle believe that Sandro doesn’t deserve another punishment,” Romano added.

“Tonali has always been collaborative throughout the process, he is prepared to continue to do so, and Newcastle will back and protect their player in any case.”

Despite the background ‘noise’ in both situations, the first-team squad just need to continue concentrating on what lies ahead of them for the rest of the season.

If they can find some form, then a finish in the European places might not be beyond them, and given their extensive injury list this season that’s probably the best that they can hope for.

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Eddie Howe throws down the gauntlet to the FA over Sandro Tonali

Jason Pettigrove — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 12:01:42 +0000

News that Newcastle United ace Sandro Tonali had been charged this week by the FA for further betting breaches, which had occurred during his time at the Premier League club, will likely have come as quite the shock to Magpies supporters.

During his pre-match press conference for the game against West Ham, Eddie Howe met the questions from reporters – which included representatives from CaughtOffside – head on, and appeared to throw down the gauntlet to the powers that be.

Eddie Howe doesn’t want to see Sandro Tonali’s ban increased

“Sandro, from day one, co-operated and was very honest with the club, with us and the authorities about what he had done and the issues that he had,” he said when asked about what happens next.

“I certainly hope for Sandro that there is no further consequences. He has suffered during this period, he has sought help, he has been very honest, he’s admitted that he has an issue and I think the best thing for Sandro would be to resume his career having taken his punishment and having learned a lot of lessons from this.”

It was clear from Howe’s tone and demeanour that he doesn’t expect the authorities to punish the Italian star more than he has been already.

Football is a game that appears to have a real problem with gambling too – Ivan Toney being another player to have recently fallen foul of the FA’s rules – and yet shirts are plastered with betting company logos and stadiums have perimeter ads that advertise those same companies.

The Premier League seemingly can’t live without the financial backing that the betting companies give to them, but if players at their member clubs spend their free time using those same companies, they are severely punished.

Newcastle ace Sandro Tonali won’t be playing football again until next season

Whilst Howe hasn’t directly challenged the FA over Tonali, he has made a point of the issue being an illness.

Former professional, Paul Merson, a gambler himself for long periods of his career, is also of the opinion that to punish players in the manner than Toney and Tonali have been is counter-productive.

“People have no respect for the gambling addiction,” he said on the Sacked in the Morning podcast (h/t BBC Sport).

“We’ve seen that with the bans of Sandro Tonali at Newcastle and Ivan Toney at Brentford.

“To give people 10-month bans for an addiction that is ravaging football, with sponsorships all over the shirts… They needed help and I don’t think ‘help’ is giving them 10-month bans.

“We underestimate this addiction. We need to show it some respect and not, ‘oh, show a bit of willpower.'”

Time will tell if the FA decide whether Tonali has already been punished enough or if they intend to bolt on a new punishment at the end of the Italian’s current 10-month ban, which is due to finish in August.

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Important Newcastle star charged by the FA for 50 betting offences, £55m signing a disaster

Darren Looney — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:49:18 +0000

The FA has charged Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali with 50 offences of placing bets earlier this season despite the midfielder already serving a ban for the same misdemeanour.

The Italian signed from AC Milan last summer as part of a £55m deal but the signing has been a disaster for Newcastle as the 23-year-old only played 12 matches this season before having a worldwide ban placed on him back in October.

Tonali is currently serving a 10-month ban for betting offences in Italy, which ends in August but now, the Newcastle star has been charged by the FA for 50 separate offences in England placed between 12 August and 12 October 2023.

The FA put out a statement on Thursday which said: “Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of the FA’s Betting Rules.

“It’s alleged that the Newcastle United midfielder breached FA Rule E8 50 times by placing bets on football matches between 12 August 2023 and 12 October 2023. Sandro Tonali has until 5 April 2024 to respond.”

The FA has charged Newcastle star Sandro Tonali

Newcastle star Sandro Tonali has a gambling addiction

This latest news clearly indicates that Tonali suffers from a gambling addiction as the Newcastle star would have been aware of the investigation around him for betting in Italy while placing these 50 bets in England.

It is hoped that the Italian gets the help he needs during his suspension but from Newcastle’s point of view, this signing has been a disaster as the midfielder is very likely to get another suspension on top of his current ban.

The 23-year-old has a five-year contract at the club and there is no way the Magpies can sell him to recoup some of the money they have spent. It is even worse considering the Tyneside club’s financial fair play issues as the signing of the former AC Milan star seems to have played a role in halting the Premier League club’s progress.

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