Tonali mocked after nightmare showing against De Zerbi's Tottenham
Quick summary
Italian media criticizes Sandro Tonali's performance in Newcastle's match against Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham, with some outlets calling him the 'worst overspend ever.'
Full article
Attributed to original sourceSandro Tonali and Roberto De Zerbi’s first Premier League match with Tottenham did not go to plan and the Italy international’s performance was so disappointing that he was loudly mocked by the home crowd during Saturday’s 3-0 loss against Brentford.
Trouble in Paradies for Tonali: Fans’ reactions after Brentford 3-0 Tottenham Tottenham were soundly beaten 3-0 away against Brentford in their first Premier League match of the 2026-27 season on Saturday afternoon in a game that brought a first goal of the campaign for Italy talent Michael Kayode.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Michael Kayode of Brentford celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur at Gtech Community Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Read more: Italy players in Premier League: Kayode and Calafiori off to flying starts It was a particularly underwhelming first appearance for Tonali, who became Tottenham and Italy’s most expensive player ever when he joined from Newcastle at a cost of €115m earlier this summer.
BBC Sport gave Tonali a rating of just 4/10 after his first Premier League appearance for Tottenham, labelling it a ‘desperately poor debut’.
Tonali was loudly jeered on multiple occasions at the Gtech Stadium: Once for a particularly wild effort on the full volley from the edge of the area, which ended up high in the stands, closer to the corner flag than it was to the posts.
The home crowd cheered mockingly once again after Tonali ran into traffic on the edge of the penalty area while trying to dictate a Tottenham attack towards the end of the first half as well.
Tonali’s performance also led to criticism from supporters on social media, one account on X questioning whether his €115m price tag is ‘the worst overspend ever in English football’.
Some Newcastle fans have questioned whether Tonali is unable to perform to the highest level without his former midfield partner Bruno Guimaraes.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James’ Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) One account posted : “That performance today couldn’t be a more accurate representation of his performances without Bruno. They thought they were getting someone who dictates play; he absolutely cannot.”
“No refunds, Spurs,” another Newcastle fan joked .
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What happened
Sandro Tonali has faced heavy criticism from Italian football outlets following a disappointing display for Newcastle against Tottenham, now managed by fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi. The £60m+ midfielder, signed from AC Milan in 2023, was mocked for his performance, with some Italian commentators questioning whether he represents one of the worst transfer investments in recent Premier League history. The article blends match analysis with editorial mockery, reflecting the high expectations placed on the Italian international since his move to England.
Chance analysis
Tonali's struggles illustrate the immense pressure and scrutiny that comes with a big-money Premier League move, especially for a player returning from a betting suspension. The pairing of Tonali and De Zerbi on the same pitch in a Premier League context highlights the growing Italian influence in English football's top flight, though the contrast between De Zerbi's tactical reputation and Tonali's difficult evening sharpened the narrative. For Newcastle, the continued scrutiny on their marquee signing raises questions about the midfield balance as they seek to re-establish themselves among the league's elite.