Boost as Italy confirm Tonali will play once

NEWCASTLE United have received a boost as Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso has revealed Sandro Tonali will almost certainly feature in just one of the Azzuri’s two World Cup qualifying games this month.

- By SEAN MCCORMICK Newcastle United writer

Sandro Tonali arrives for Italy training at Centro Tecnico Federale di Covercian in Florence

Tonali has been called up to the Italy squad for their games against Moldova away on Thursday evening and their home tie against Norway at the San Siro on Sunday.

Italy are currently three points adrift of Norway in Group I of the UEFA World Cup qualifiers and Norway would seal their place in the World Cup if they beat Estonia at home, due to the fact they hold a 16-goal advantage in terms of goal difference over the Italians.