Sandro Tonali
TOT
CM
Ball-Winning Midfielder
May 8, 2000 (26)
Right
5'11"
174 lb
SpursSet to start after midweek rest
Tonali was rested in Wednesday's cup meeting with Charlton, but manager Roberto De Zerbi later confirmed that "Sandro was in a plan to work with Marco Senesi yesterday, very strong, to improve their physical condition. Sandro has to work to feel better in terms of physical condition, but Saturday he will play in the first XI, without problems".
Analysis: Tonali will continue to work towards reaching an optimal fitness level before being able to make back-to-back appearances in the same week. Still, his availability in league play is a vital presence for a team that is relying heavily on him after his excellent seasons with Newcastle. If he stays active for the remainder of the season, Tonali will look to rack up the majority of minutes in a defensive midfield position, although there could be some rotation with other elements such as Mateus Fernandes and Rodrigo Bentancur during busy periods.
Quiet in Spurs debut
Tonali registered two shots (one on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 3-0 loss to Brentford.
Analysis: Tonali made his debut for Spurs in Saturday's season opener and like nearly all of his new teammates, was not at his best. He managed two shots and two crosses from defensive midfield, but the defense was a complete mess and his signing was intended to help fix those issues the club has had over the past few seasons. It may take him time to settle into his new situation, but he will need to play much better to be worthy of the expensive price tag Spurs paid for him.
Scores first Tottenham goal
Tonali scored his first goal as a Tottenham player, opening the scoring in Saturday's friendly against Chelsea, the club posted.
Analysis: Tonali's early goal comes just weeks after his move from Newcastle and subsequent integration into training, and it marks a strong early statement as he looks to establish himself in manager Roberto De Zerbi's midfield. His quick impact bodes well for a smooth transition into the new setup as Tottenham continues preparations for the Premier League opener at Brentford on Aug. 22.
Trains fully with new teammates
Tonali linked up with his new Tottenham teammates for the first time Tuesday, joining the squad for day five of preseason as the players continued their strength and conditioning program, according to the club.
Analysis: Tonali's arrival on the training pitch comes just over a week after his move from Newcastle was completed, and his early involvement gives him time to build fitness ahead of Tottenham's preseason tour to New Zealand and Australia and the Premier League opener at Brentford on August 22. He was watched closely by fellow Italian head coach Roberto De Zerbi, whose local club Brescia was where Tonali came through the youth system, and his early integration into the group bodes well for a smooth transition into De Zerbi's midfield plans for next season.
Signs for Tottenham
Tonali has signed for Tottenham Hotspur from Newcastle United, according to his new club.
Analysis: Tonali arrives at Tottenham after two seasons with Newcastle, where he made 110 appearances and scored 10 goals, including a goal on his Premier League debut, and helped the club win the 2025 Carabao Cup. Before his move to England, he spent three seasons at AC Milan, making 130 appearances and scoring seven goals while winning the 2021/22 Scudetto and reaching the Champions League semifinals in 2022/23. He has earned 32 senior caps and scored four goals for Italy since his debut in 2019. With his experience across Serie A, the Premier League and European competition, Tonali projects as a central figure in Tottenham's midfield next season under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Injured during warm-ups
Tonali is out for Sunday's match against Fulham after suffering an injury in warm-ups, according to his club.
Analysis: Tonali is not playing the season finale after he was a late scratch, suffering from a warm-up injury. This is an unfortunate loss for the player and club, as he has been a regular starter all campaign, and it will end his season. He finishes the season with zero goals and two assists in 35 appearances (31 starts) this season.
Makes starting XI
Tonali (hamstring) is in the starting XI for Sunday's season finale against Fulham.
Analysis: Tonali overcame the hamstring concern that had made his availability appear unlikely after feeling the issue during the win over West Ham, with the final assessment ahead of the Craven Cottage fixture returning a positive outcome and coach Eddie Howe handing him a starting role for the curtain closer. The Italian midfielder has been one of Newcastle's most influential figures this season, contributing three goals, four assists, 53 chances created and 143 crosses across 49 appearances in all competitions, and his presence in the first eleven is a significant boost for a side heading into the final fixture of the campaign.
Could be available Sunday
Tonali (hamstring) could be an option for Sunday's season finale at Fulham, according to coach Eddie Howe. "Sandro, potentially, will be available, we will look at him again today, don't think it is anything serious."
Analysis: Tonali had appeared unlikely to feature after feeling his hamstring during the win over West Ham, but the updated prognosis is more encouraging than initially suggested. The club will make a final call after assessing him ahead of the Craven Cottage fixture, with getting the Italian midfielder available for the season finale a significant boost for Newcastle. That said, if Tonali can't answer the call, he would end the campaign with three goals, four assists, 53 chances created, 75 corners and 143 crosses across 49 appearances (45 starts) in all competitions for the Magpies.
Dealing with hamstring issue
Tonali felt his hamstring during Saturday's 3-1 win over West Ham and was substituted in the early stages of the second half, leaving his availability for Sunday's season finale at Fulham unlikely, according to coach Eddie Howe. "I think Sandro felt his hamstring. I don't think it was a big injury, but it was enough for him to come off. So it looks like we'll miss him in the last game."
Analysis: Tonali will be assessed at Newcastle's Darsley Park training complex with manager Howe expressing hope that the issue is not serious but unlikely to be available for the Craven Cottage fixture. The club will make a final call after the assessment, with Joe Willock having covered in the second half against West Ham. Getting Tonali available for the season finale would be a significant boost for Newcastle as they look to end what has been a difficult campaign on a positive note. If Tonali misses the season finale, he would end the campaign with three goals, four assists, 53 chances created, 75 corners and 143 crosses in 49 appearances (45 starts) across all competitions for the Magpies.
Forced off at halftime
Tonali (muscular) was substituted at halftime of Sunday's clash against West Ham United, with a possible muscle injury behind the early exit.
Analysis: Tonali's withdrawal at the break is a concerning development for Newcastle, with the Italian midfielder having been one of their most important players in the engine room this season. Joe Willock came on to replace him at the start of the second half, with the full extent of the injury yet to be confirmed. Further examination will be required before a clearer picture emerges on the severity of the issue and his availability for upcoming fixtures
Poor in front of goal
Tonali had four shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-0 loss to Arsenal.
Analysis: Tonali was only able to put one of his four shots on target, which is not a great look a 1-0 loss. The midfielder could be among the goals against Brighton, but the Seagulls have been solid of late with four wins in their last five matches and have allowed 39 goals in 34 EPL matches.
Returns to action with Italy
Tonali (groin) started and scored in Thursday's World Cup playoff match against Northern Ireland.
Analysis: Tonali was able to recover quickly from a groin ailment, as expected, after sitting out the previous Premier League contest. He has gotten the nod in the last nine matches he was available for, sending in at least one cross in each of them, racking up 33 deliveries (nine accurate) and adding 20 corners and 15 key passes during that stretch, with three goals and two assists. Furthermore, he has tallied at least one tackle in his last three displays, amassing four (three won).
Out versus Sunderland
Tonali (groin) isn't an option for Sunday's game against Sunderland.
Analysis: Tonali was in jeopardy after suffering a muscular injury midweek and has ultimately been ruled out. He could return to action with Italy during the international break. Joelinton and Jacob Ramsey are patrolling the midfield from the jump.
Late fitness decision
Tonali (groin) is a late fitness decision ahead of Sunday's derby against Sunderland, according to coach Eddie Howe. "We will wait and see on Sandro, it is maybe not as bad as first feared. We will see how he is today and make a decision closer to the game."
Analysis: Tonali picked up a groin edema during the Champions League clash against Barcelona Wednesday, but the issue isn't as serious as initially feared, with the midfielder expected back in training Friday and set to be a late fitness call ahead of Sunday's derby against the Black Cats. He'll be pushing hard to get the green light before kickoff given his locked-in role as a midfield anchor for the Magpies, and if he can't go, the midfield setup would need a shakeup with Joe Willock and Joelinton the most likely duo to step into those deeper roles in the middle of the park.
Questionable to play Sunday
Tonali (groin) suffered an edema in the UEFA Champions League loss to Barcelona on Wednesday and could be an option to play Sunday against Sunderland, according to Sky Sport Italy.
Analysis: Tonali was subbed off during the second half of Wednesday's 7-2 loss to Barca, but further tests revealed the injury wasn't as serious as initially thought. A decision on his availability for the weekend will be made closer to Sunday's 8 a.m. ET kickoff, and it remains to be seen if he'll be available to play for Italy in the upcoming World Cup playoffs later this month. Not having Tonali would be a huge blow for Newcastle since they're already missing another key midfielder in Bruno Guimaraes (hamstring).
Suffers groin injury Wednesday
Tonali left the pitch after receiving treatment for a groin issue during Wednesday's UCL match against Barcelona, with coach Eddie Howe confirming that "It could be a problem for us.", Lee Ryder of The Chronicle reports.
Analysis: Tonali appeared to pick up a serious blow, making his participation in upcoming contests a big doubt. It was his return to the initial lineup after a one-game absence due to illness, but he had a quiet outing before his withdrawal. Joe Willock took his place after the injury and could see an increased role if Tonali joins Bruno Guimaraes (hamstring) on the sidelines for the next clash against Sunderland.
Starting Wednesday
Tonali (illness) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Barcelona.
Analysis: Tonali had to miss the last match due to illness, but is back with his team Wednesday after passing some late testing. He will remain in a starting role as he remains fit, one of the club's typical three starting midfielders. He will need a big match to defeat Barcelona, as the midfielder will have a huge role in the defense and attack.
To be checked Wednesday
Tonali is questionable for Wednesday's match against Barcelona after missing their last match due to an illness, according to manager Eddie Howe. "We'll have a look at it today. Today's the first day we've seen him. (It's) an opportunity for hopefully him to train, if he feels strong enough. We'll make a decision tomorrow."
Analysis: Tonali was out over the weekend with an illness and is now trending towards being an option Wednesday, although he will need to pass some testing. This is huge news for the club, as they are already without a few midfield options, potentially losing another for a huge match. If he were to miss out, Joelinton, Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock would likely start in the midfield, although Tonali will hopefully be an option.
Option against Barcelona
Tonali has shaken off the illness that ruled him out against Chelsea and is back in contention for Wednesday's Champions League second leg against Barcelona, according to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail.
Analysis: Tonali missed Saturday's clash against Chelsea due to illness but looks set to shake it off quickly, with the midfielder reportedly traveling to Barcelona on Tuesday morning and now in the mix for Wednesday's Champions League second leg against the Blaugranas. That's a massive boost for the Magpies, as the Italian is trending toward a return to the starting XI at the perfect time. They'll need him at full strength if they want to lock in their spot in the next round.
Ruled out Saturday
Tonali (illness) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Chelsea.
Analysis: Tonali is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Chelsea due to illness. The midfielder is an important piece in the middle of the park and his absence could be felt, having scored one goal and provided three assists in 39 appearances across all competitions this season. Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock start in midfield in his absence.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare