Tonali ‘can’t even imagine’ Italy not playing World Cup

Italy international Sandro Tonali admits he felt Luciano Spalletti ‘close’ during a betting ban last year and insists the Azzurri have ‘no excuses’ in the World Cup qualifying path: ‘I can’t even imagine…’

Tonali spoke to Sky Sport Italia following Newcastle’s EFL Cup and an open-top bus parade on Sunday.

The former Milan star returned to action in August after a betting ban. During his latest interview, he revealed that Italy CT Spalletti often contacted him.

“It’s true. I felt him very close,” Tonali said.

“He’s one of the people I’ve heard from the most during the ban. He’s always been very straightforward. Even if he weren’t the national team coach, I’d still be glad to hear somebody say what didn’t work and listen to it in the right way.”

Tonali scored a goal against Germany during the latest international break, but it was not enough for the Azzurri to qualify for the Nations League semi-finals.

Tonali ‘can’t even imagine’ Italy not playing World Cup

Italy’s elimination meant the Azzurri were put in the World Cup Qualifying Group I alongside Erling Haaland’s Norway.

The Azzurri have not qualified for the last two editions of the World Cup, but Tonali is confident La Nazionale will reach their target this time around.

“Yes. Yes, because we have no excuses,” he insisted.

“I can’t even imagine Italy not playing in the World Cup.”

Italy will visit Norway in Oslo in the opening World Cup Qualifying game on June 6. Haaland’s team has already won two opening matches, taking a three-point lead over second-placed Israel.

Moldova and Estonia are also part of Italy’s Group I.

Tonali, 24, has scored three goals and provided two assists in 35 appearances with Newcastle this season.

He has also scored his first two international goals this season.