Newcastle Manager Howe Optimistic on Sandro Tonali’s Return

Sandro Tonali, the famous Italy midfielder with Newcastle, is set to return to professional soccer today. Tuesday marked the end of the player’s 10-month temporary ban, imposed by the Italian soccer federation.

The ban dates back to October when Tonali admitted to breaching the federation’s rules related to betting on soccer games. The regulatory sanction against the Italy midfielder came after he transferred to Newcastle and had only participated in a dozen games.

However, his return is for good, Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, revealed in an interview for the Associated Press. According to Newcastle’s manager, the soccer star feels like he is at “the next stage” of his career. Speaking about the midfielder’s training, Howe explained that Tonali ensured he is fitter than he was when he received the ban.

Still, he explained: “He’s fit, he just doesn’t have the match (fitness), the bigger spaces, the 11 vs. 11. Every footballer will tell you what is the most important thing – the game time.” Additionally, Howe spoke about the scrutiny Tonali may be facing, in light of his recent ban and added that Newcastle expects to see “him to be himself and play his game.”

Besides the 10-month ban, earlier this year, Tonali received a suspended ban over violations of the Football Association’s (FA) rules related to gambling. At the time, the FA explained that the two-month ban would remain suspended until the end of the 2024-25 season.

The aforementioned sanction would only be implemented in case the midfielder commits another violation, the Association explained at the time. The soccer player wasn’t subject to a tougher penalty considering he self-reported the issue and collaborated with the FA.

Problem Gambling Can Affect Soccer Stars

Giuseppe Riso, Tonali’s agent, previously admitted that around the time his client received the 10-month suspension, he was affected by a gambling-related problem. While in discussions with the Italian federation, the soccer player agreed to participate in therapy for his gambling addiction.

“I’m sure he’s done all of those things and now he’s doing what he loves, which is playing football and that will be an incredible release for him.“

Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s manager

Howe predicted that Tonali is expected to experience strong emotions and excitement. “When you have a long period of time out, (you have) a long time to think, analyze and reflect,” he added. According to Howe, Tonali has already done all those things, and he is now ready to return to soccer, which is an activity he loves.