Italy tactical advisor: 'Tonali more creative role at Tottenham'
Quick summary
Italy's tactical advisor discusses how Sandro Tonali could be deployed in a more creative role, with Tottenham mentioned as a possible tactical fit.
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Attributed to original sourceRoberto Mancini’s Italy tactical advisor Antonio Gagliardi explains some of the eight changes for Turkiye. ‘Sandro Tonali already has a more constructive position at Tottenham.’
It kicks off at the Ataturk Spor Kompleski Matli Stadyumu in Bursa at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.
This represents a head-to-head at the foot of Nations League Group A, as both teams started the tournament with home defeats.
The Azzurri lost 2-0 to Belgium, while Vincenzo Montella’s Turkiye were narrowly beaten 1-0 by France.
Italy transform for Turkiye Italy training session overseen by coach Roberto Mancini in September 2026 (figc.it) “The coach wants an attacking team, so we need balance in the two phases, but the principles remain the same. It is a team that wants to control the game with pressing and possession,” Gagliardi told Sky Sport Italia .
This team is completely transformed with eight changes , including the return of Alessandro Bastoni from suspension, plus the senior debuts of Michael Kayode and Matteo Ruggeri.
Intriguingly, the Esposito brothers Sebastiano and Pio start together upfront, with Giacomo Raspadori completing the trident attack.
“Seba is a talented player, one of the young players the coach is evaluating to see if and how he can have a role in the future of this Nazionale. He can play wide or more centrally, you will discover where as the game goes on.”
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Sandro Tonali of Italy warms up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Nicolò Fagioli returns to the starting XI for Italy after 714 days, since the 4-1 win over Israel in October 2024, but Tonali looks to be the playmaker tonight.
“Sandro is another player who can take on several different roles, he is already taking a more constructive position at Tottenham. Clearly, his qualities are also as a box to box midfielder who can follow the moves and shoot. He will have a more creative role today along with Fagioli, allowing Frattesi those forward runs that the coach wants to see.”
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Nicolò Fagioli of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images) Gagliardi was asked how Italy have changed and learned the lessons of the dismal first half against Belgium, considering they have barely been able to train since Friday.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t had many training sessions, as the calendar is very tight. I think with video sessions we can make sure the team is well-prepared. We analysed the first half against Belgium, but we had already made corrections at half-time and saw a very different Italy after the break.”
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What happened
An Italy national team tactical advisor has weighed in on how Sandro Tonali could evolve his game by taking on a more creative midfield role, with Tottenham mentioned in the discussion as a club context. The commentary suggests Tonali's skill set could be utilized further forward or in a playmaking capacity rather than purely defensive midfield duties. This represents a tactical perspective on one of Italy and Newcastle's most important midfielders.
Chance analysis
Sandro Tonali has established himself as one of Serie A's and the Premier League's most complete midfielders since his move to Newcastle, and the discussion around a more creative role reflects a broader tactical trend of giving deep-lying playmakers more attacking responsibility. An Italy tactical advisor weighing in signals that the national team setup is also thinking about how to unlock Tonali's offensive potential. The mention of Tottenham adds an interesting subplot, though Tonali remains a Newcastle player, making this more of a tactical conversation than a concrete transfer link.
Tonalis potential tactical shift toward a more creative role could boost his attacking output for both club and country.