Tonali: "Gattuso is the ideal man for this Italy"

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is preparing for the World Cup play-offs. On 26 March, Italy face Northern Ireland in Bergamo, with a place in the final against the winner of Wales v Bosnia at stake. "Youre always thinking about it because, ultimately, the moment is approaching; its impossible not to think about it.

It always strikes you that its March now; it will be one of the most important matches for us in recent years, and we have to play perfectly. Every day, the tension and pressure are mounting. We have to be at 100%, play as we know how, and qualify for the World Cup." "We had a dinner in London with the other Italian players in the Premier League; we had a great time.

We hadnt seen each other since November, and its always nice to get together even when its not about football. I think it did us all good; it was lovely." "Gattuso is someone who inspired me a lot even before I knew him, because I took inspiration from the things I liked about him when he was playing.

Italy, Bergamo

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