Former Brescia boss Eugenio Corini has tipped Milan playmaker Sandro Tonali to make Italy’s squad for next year’s World Cup finals. Roberto Mancini’s men are well on course of reaching Qatar 2022 showpiece, as they sit atop World Cup qualification Group C, three points clear of second-placed Switzerland.
Although the Nati have a game in hand on Gli Azzurri, who defeated Belgium 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League third-place play-off on Sunday, the Italians remain the leading candidates to conquer their qualifying group. Despite making just four international caps, Tonali will stake a claim for a place in Mancini’s side for Qatar 2022.
After experiencing a sluggish 2020/21 season, the 21-year-old midfielder has thrived this term, helping Milan remain within a two-point distance from Serie A leaders Napoli. The highly-rated youngster has netted two goals and delivered one assist in seven top-flight appearances this season.
While enjoying a rise to stardom at the San Siro, Tonali has drawn attention towards his burgeoning talent. Corini, who played his part in helping the Italian up-and-comer develop his potential at Brescia, is adamant his former pupil will make Mancini’s squad for Qatar 2022.
“He is a senior national player, but it was right that he made this move with [Italy U21 coach Paolo] Nicolato,” he said, as relayed by TUTTOmercatoWEB. “It was functional for the target that the Azzurrini have. I’ll say more: Tonali could easily have been included in the list of those who went to the European Championship. I remember Mancini already followed him when he was in Serie B at Brescia with me.
“Unfortunately, the first year at Milan meant that someone overtook him, but I have no doubt that we will see him at the next World Cup.“
Tonali will have to overcome several long-serving stalwarts to make Italy’s squad for the upcoming final tournament. In addition to Jorginho and Marco Verratti, Mancini seems to have fallen in love with the likes of Nicolo Barella and Manuel Locatelli. With Manuel Locatelli starting to find his feet at Juventus, Tonali’s hopes of convincing the gaffer to take him to Qatar will face several daunting tasks.