Sandro Tonali Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 25, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few players embody the fusion of elegance, grit, and leadership quite like Sandro Tonali. Once hailed as the “New Pirlo” for his silky touch and visionary passing, the Italian midfielder has evolved into something even greater: a complete modern midfielder, a captain at Newcastle United, and a cornerstone of the Italian national team.
From his early days in Brescia to leading the Azzurri midfield and transforming the Premier League with his tenacity and class, Tonali’s journey is one of reinvention, resilience, and rising stardom.
Then: The Prodigy from Brescia – “The New Pirlo” (2000–2020)
1. Humble Beginnings in Lombardy
Born on May 8, 2000, in Desenzano del Garda, Italy, Sandro Tonali grew up in a football-loving family. His passion was evident early, and at 9 years old, he joined Brescia’s youth academy—a modest club with a proud tradition of developing talent.
By his late teens, Tonali was already turning heads. Standing at 1.81m with long hair, elegant movement, and an uncanny ability to dictate tempo, he bore a striking resemblance to Andrea Pirlo—a comparison that brought both admiration and immense pressure.
2. Breakthrough at Brescia
In 2017, at just 17 years old, Tonali made his professional debut. By the 2018–19 season, he was a regular starter in Serie B, helping Brescia earn promotion to Serie A.
His performances were mature beyond his years:
- Visionary long-range passing
- Composure under pressure
- Tactical intelligence
Despite Brescia’s relegation in 2020, Tonali stood out as a beacon of hope—a symbol of Italy’s next generation.
Related: Nicolò Barella Then and Now
The Rise: AC Milan and the Weight of Expectation (2020–2023)
1. A €15 Million Gamble with an Option
In 2020, AC Milan signed Tonali in a loan deal with an obligation to buy (finalized in 2021 for around €35 million). The move placed him at one of Italy’s most storied clubs, alongside legends and champions.
At first, he was used sparingly—often as a rotational player. But under Stefano Pioli, he gradually earned more responsibility. By 2021–22, he was a key figure in Milan’s first Serie A title in 11 years, playing 37 league games and contributing 3 goals and 6 assists.
2. Evolving Beyond the “Pirlo” Label
While early comparisons to Pirlo were inevitable, Tonali began to carve his own identity:
- More defensive involvement
- Aggressive pressing and tackling
- Leadership and work rate
He wasn’t just a regista—he was a box-to-box midfielder with the brain of a playmaker and the heart of a warrior.
3. International Debut and Euro 2020 Glory
Tonali made his senior debut for Italy in 2020 and was part of the squad that won UEFA Euro 2020. Though he didn’t play in the final, being part of that historic campaign was a defining moment.
By 2022, he was a regular for the Azzurri, though Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup was a setback.
Related: Joško Gvardiol Then and Now
Now (2025): The Captain of Newcastle and Italy’s Midfield Maestro
1. A Shocking Move to Newcastle United (2023)
In July 2023, in one of the most surprising transfers of the summer, Tonali joined Newcastle United for €70 million, despite a 10-month ban from Italian football due to a betting violation (unrelated to match-fixing, but a breach of FIGC rules). The ban delayed his debut until March 2024, but Newcastle’s faith in his character and talent paid off.
2. Instant Impact in the Premier League (2024–2025)
From his first game back, Tonali made his presence felt:
- Controlled the tempo with calm, intelligent passing
- Broke up play with aggressive tackling
- Scored crucial goals, including a stunning long-range strike against Liverpool
- Became a fan favorite at St. James’ Park, nicknamed “Il Generale” (The General)
By the 2024–25 season, he was named club captain, succeeding Kieran Trippier—a testament to his leadership and influence.
3. Tactical Evolution Under Eddie Howe
Under manager Eddie Howe, Tonali has flourished as a double pivot midfielder, often paired with Bruno Guimarães. His role combines:
- Deep-lying playmaking
- Ball progression from defense to attack
- Defensive shielding
- Set-piece delivery
His pass accuracy (92%), interceptions, and composure under pressure have made him one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League.
4. Record-Breaking Season (2024–2025)
By early 2025, Tonali’s achievements include:
- Named in the PFA Team of the Year (2024)
- Premier League Player of the Month (December 2024)
- Key player in Newcastle’s Champions League qualification (top 4 finish)
- Over 50 appearances for Italy, emerging as the primary midfield general under new manager Luciano Spalletti
He played a pivotal role in Italy’s UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, helping the Azzurri reach the quarterfinals, where they were narrowly defeated by Germany.
Related: Matheus Nunes Then and Now
Leadership and Character: The Heart of Two Teams
1. Captain at Newcastle
As captain, Tonali leads not through loudness, but through example:
- First in training
- Last to leave
- Demands excellence from teammates
- Calm in adversity
Newcastle fans adore him not just for his skill, but for his passion, humility, and loyalty.
2. Redemption and Maturity
The betting ban was a major setback, but Tonali used it as a moment of personal growth. He publicly apologized, accepted responsibility, and returned with a renewed sense of purpose.
In interviews, he has said:
“I made a mistake. But I won’t let it define me. I’ll prove I belong at the top—with heart.”
His redemption arc has made him a symbol of accountability and resilience.
International Career: The New Face of the Azzurri
With the retirement of legends like Jorginho and Marco Verratti’s decline due to injuries, Tonali has stepped into the void as Italy’s midfield leader.
By 2025, he wears the #8 shirt with pride and is entrusted with:
- Dictating tempo
- Breaking opposition presses
- Providing defensive stability
- Mentoring younger players like Nicolò Fagioli and Davide Frattesi
He is widely expected to lead Italy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Related: Wesley Fofana Then and Now
Personal Life and Cultural Impact
Tonali is known for his low-key lifestyle, strong family values, and deep connection to his Italian roots. He is in a long-term relationship with Beatrice, and the couple maintains a private life away from media scrutiny.
Off the pitch, he:
- Supports youth football initiatives in Brescia
- Advocates for integrity in sports
- Is a role model for young Italian players
His journey—from a small-town prodigy to captain of a Premier League giant and Italy—resonates across generations.
Legacy and Recognition (2025)
By 2025, Sandro Tonali is no longer compared to Pirlo.
He is Sandro Tonali—a player with his own identity, defined by:
- Elegance and aggression
- Vision and grit
- Humility and leadership
He has been:
- Nominated for the Ballon d’Or (Top 20, 2024)
- Named Italian Footballer of the Year (2024)
- Featured in FIFA 25 Ultimate Team as a top-tier midfield card
- A global ambassador for New Balance, his long-time kit sponsor
Conclusion: Sandro Tonali – Then and Now (2025)
- Then: A 17-year-old in Brescia, compared to a legend before he’d even played a full season in Serie A.
- Now: Captain of Newcastle United, leader of the Italian national team, and one of the most respected midfielders in world football.
Sandro Tonali’s journey is a story of pressure, setback, and ultimate triumph. He didn’t just live up to the hype—he transcended it.
As he prepares for the 2026 World Cup and aims to bring European and global glory to Newcastle, one thing is clear:
Sandro Tonali isn’t just playing football.
He’s shaping its future.
🇮🇹⚽ “I don’t chase fame. I chase excellence. For my team. For my country. For the love of the game.” – Sandro Tonali, 2025
Related: Kalvin Phillips Then and Now