Newcastle United star has returned to training ground

Following an investigation by Italian officials this week, Sandro Tonali has returned to Newcastle United.
Italy manager Luciano Spalletti claims his team was “distraught” by the departures of Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo last week.

Following an investigation by the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office, Newcastle United midfielder Tonali and Aston Villa forward Zaniolo withdrew from international duty on Thursday.
Both players were scheduled to face England in tonight’s Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley Stadium, but Tonali has returned to Tyneside to prepare for Saturday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace.

“It was traumatic for the team because we had the authorities almost in the dressing room, so everyone was surprised and upset,” Spalletti stated yesterday during his pre-match press conference.

“We had almost an entire day to say goodbye to them, and we were able to give them a hug before they left.”

“The players themselves were absolutely distraught because when you’re part of a national team everyone is very tight and after the results you can get it’s the one thing you can keep for life, the lasting relationships.”

The precise circumstances behind Tonali and Zaniolo’s plight have yet to be formally established, while various Italian sources have speculated it is tied to gambling.

“Gambling is a form of temptation,” remarked Spalletti. “It’s a vice and these things happen and we are committed to speaking to these players.”We will continue to keep an eye on them and will do everything we can to aid and support them so that they may return to doing what they love.”

 

 

Newcastle have yet to comment on Tonali following a statement from the Italian Federation that read: “The Federation announces that, in the late afternoon of today, the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office notified investigation documents to the players Sandro Tonali and Nicol Zaniolo, who are currently training with the national team at the Federal Technical Center in Coverciano.”

“Regardless of the nature of the acts, believing that in this situation the two players are not in the necessary condition to face the commitments scheduled in the next few days, the Federation has decided, also to protect them, to allow them to return to their respective clubs.”