Sandro Tonali: From Milan’s Son to an Italian Geordie

The Milanisti are used to losing sons to the wonders of the outside world. Whether it be for money or new experiences, many Milan players have left the San Siro and learnt the hard way, there is no place quite like home. For Sandro Tonali however, things are different. The Curva Sud will harbour no hard feelings towards someone who ultimately is being sold against his wishes.

With Italy’s ancient football economic structure still in place, the likes of Milan are being forced to sell their star players such as Tonali. Not only is he the emotional heartbeat of AC Milan, but he is one of their key players in midfield and was a crucial part of them clinching their 19th Scudetto. This is what makes the Italian Geordie so special.

The long hair, the switches of play and THAT freekick for Brescia (clickhere to view it) have all led to Twitter threads, YouTube videos and even pundits comparing Tonali with Italy’s last great Regista, Andrea Pirlo. However, appearances are deceiving and long hair aside, the two almost play nothing alike.

Sure, at Brescia, he played the odd Hollywood pass and took a few long shots but at Milan that has not been his role at all. For a better idea of how Tonali operates, think more Daniele De Rossi, Rome’s second favourite son. There is some style in how they treat the ball in possession, but they combine that with grit or grinta as the Italians call it, and the ability to make an impact in both boxes.