Sandro Tonali got through Italy's Under-21 clash with France unscathed last night in the European Championships in Romania.
The 23-year-old played the full 90 minutes with Newcastle United duo Dan Ashworth and Steve Nickson trying to push his move to St James' Park through. Tonali has agreed personal terms and the final touches to the deal were being rounded off yesterday with both clubs keen to make an announcement upon agreement.
The player's agent Guiseppe Riso is due in Romania today for the next part of the transfer. Things are moving quickly for the Milan hero but he may soon have a new adoring public.
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After a day in which Tonali's future had been discussed at length between Milan directors and Newcastle's transfer team, his evening did not go to plan. In what was described as a "scandalous" defeat by France at the U21 Euros, Italy went down 2-1 but they should have snared a point from the group encounter.
With no VAR in place at the UEFA tournament, France went in front through Arnaud Kalimeundo on 22 minutes. Italy were back on level terms thanks to Tonali who delivered a perfect set-play for Pietri Pellegrini to finish nine minutes before half-time.
After the break, Bradley Barcola edged France ahead with 63 minutes played but Italy thought they'd levelled when Raoul Bellanova's effort crept over the line. However, with no VAR the goal was not awarded to leave Tonali and Italy fuming.
Interestingly, Tonali played a little further up the pitch for Italy and while he has been mooted as Newcastle's new number 6, there seems to be more to the midfielder than just anchor man duties.
On the night Tonali also saw a free-kick fly wide and almost set up another goal from one of his corners. But with two days before the next Italy fixture Tonali will be wondering if he has swapped the red and black of Milan for the black and white of Newcastle.
If there are no hitches in what has been a whirlwind deal, Tonali's mind will be clear for the remainder of the tournament in Romania.
