As the game began to drift away from Italy in the World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland, it was Sandro Tonali who came up with a piece of magic. Italy have failed to qualify for the past two World Cups, and since winning the title in 2006 their performance in soccer’s most prestigious competition has been dismal to say the least.
Despite qualifying for the 2010 and 2014 tournaments, Italy last won a World Cup finals tournament in 2006 against France in Germany. Italy have taken a big step towards this summer’s North American tournament, with Manchester United target Tonali at the center.
Toward the end of the game, Italy was scrutinizing the Green and White forces, but was unable to find a breakthrough. The ball bounced and fell to Tonali on the edge of the box, and the Newcastle midfielder slotted home from 18 yards to go.
Moments later, with the game still on a knife edge, Tonali’s raked pass found Moise Kean in the box and the former Everton star darted in behind the Northern Ireland defence. Keane made no mistake with a clinical finish, pushing the ball past Pearce Charles and into the visitors’ goal.
It was the dictionary definition of an all-action midfielder’s performance and was exactly why United should spend big on Tonali this summer. Latest reports suggest United are preparing a formal approach, with even Bruno Fernandes said to be fully committed to a future deal.
That’s no surprise, given the impact the former AC Milan ace could have at Old Trafford. That would ease the burden on Fernandes to provide goal contributions to the starting XI, which United have relied on heavily this term.
But it also helps prepare United’s midfield for the next five years or so. The Portuguese technician is already well into his 30s, and it’s not hard to imagine Fernandes’ quality starting to wane as the former Sporting ace ages, just as Fernandes has done this season.
Then there’s Casemiro, who is set to leave the club when his contract expires. Casemiro has scored some important goals this season, despite his lack of offensive performance. If signed as part of a big-money move, he would be a threatening replacement for Tonali.
