Sandro Tonali confirmed that the plan was always for him to go to the U21 European Championships with Italy, and joked about leaving team-mate Pierre Kalulu with a ‘bad memory’.
There is obviously a lot of speculation circulating at the moment regarding Tonali’s future amid widespread reports of a big offer from Newcastle United who want to make him their big midfield signing.
However, Tonali must once again focus on the pitch as Italy get their U21 Euros campaign underway shortly, with the tournament being held in Romania and Georgia this year and the Azzurrini among the sides tipped to do well.
Tonali spoke at a press conference on the eve of the tournament’s first game to discuss a number of topics from his participation to facing a team-mate, with MilanNews relaying his comments.
Tomorrow the U21 European Championships start…
“It’s the third Euros for me. There’s no desire for revenge, but we know we’re a strong group and there’s a desire to do well. We’re strong. We’ve worked well these days, so now we just have to take the field and give the best of ourselves.”
Did the U21 call-up surprise you?
“We had an agreement with Mancini and we had been talking to each other for months. It was the best choice for everyone. Competing in both competitions, both the Nations League and Euro U21, was difficult after 50 games this season. For me it’s the best way to get better on the field.”
Your first opponent will be your team-mate at Milan Pierre Kalulu…
“We had already teased each other in the last few weeks at the club and we often talk because we’re friends. We spoke two/three days ago for the last time. Tomorrow we’ll be opponents for the first time and I hope to leave him with a bad memory.”
He is chilling in the Euros and probably doesnt even know who Newscastle is while Milan fans on twitter and here are losing their minds lmao