Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali is expected to be included in Newcastle’s squad for the League Cup match against Nottingham Forest on August 28. The former AC Milan footballer has not played for the Magpies since October of last year, when a 10-month ban for violating betting rules came into effect.
🇮🇹 We can announce that Sandro Tonali will return to selection on Wednesday, 28 August following the conclusion of his ten-month ban from competitive football pic.twitter.com/M50U0fkwOQ
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 15, 2024
The 24-year-old became the most expensive Italian in history after the English club paid Milan €70 million last summer to bring him in. However, he managed to play only 12 matches for his new team before being investigated for illegal betting. After being found guilty, he received a 10-month suspension, which began on October 26 of last year.
Undoubtedly talented, Tonali was involved in gambling issues, with reports revealing that he had placed bets on several matches during his time at Milan. It was later discovered that he continued gambling even after the investigation had started, by which time he was already a part of Newcastle.
The Italy international began his career at St. James’ Park in spectacular fashion, scoring on his debut for the club, but things quickly took a downturn afterward.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has stated that Tonali is in excellent physical condition, but he lacks match fitness — unsurprising, given the nearly year-long pause from competitive football.