Tonali Accepts Italy Boos After Belgium Loss, Targets Turkiye Response

Sandro Tonali has accepted Italy deserved the boos that followed Friday’s home defeat to Belgium, insisting the Azzurri must respond quickly when they meet Turkiye on Monday.

Italy face immediate response test

The Stadio Olimpico turned hostile at the final whistle as supporters voiced their anger after Italy’s flat display against Belgium. Tonali said the squad had felt the impact of both the result and the reaction inside the stadium.

“Many people were disappointed,” Tonali said. “We have to be honest about what the defeat caused: the fans’ whistles and the sad faces in the dressing room.”

The 26-year-old midfielder did not challenge the criticism. He said Italy’s performance had fallen short and that defeat was merited.

Turkiye arrive after their own damaging result, a 1-0 home loss to France in the previous round. Monday’s match gives both sides a rapid chance to reset during the international break.

Mancini builds another new Italy group

Italy are in the middle of another overhaul under Roberto Mancini, back for a second spell as head coach. His task is to restore confidence after the national side missed each of the past three World Cup tournaments, including Qatar 2022, when he led the qualifying campaign.

Mancini’s previous achievements remain significant after he took Italy to the Euro 2020 title, but Tonali said this latest squad cannot expect instant answers.

• Italy’s current selection contains many young players.
• Tonali said the team lacks one standout star capable of carrying the group.
• He believes time together on and off the training pitch is essential.
• The midfielder described the squad as healthy and strong, confident its ability will emerge with greater familiarity.

“The key now is to react, and we can do that in a few days,” Tonali said. “It is a very healthy group with lots of young players. You cannot have everything straight away. We need time together, to work and enjoy being together. Our qualities will show with time.”

Tottenham form adds to Tonali’s difficult start

Tonali’s international setback comes during a troubled opening to his Tottenham career. The former AC Milan and Newcastle United midfielder joined Spurs in a £100 million summer transfer, but the London club have collected only two points from five Premier League games and sit bottom of the table.

He remains encouraged by Tottenham’s displays despite the results, arguing that performances have been stronger than the league position suggests.

“Football can change from negative to positive in ten days,” Tonali said. “At Tottenham, results are negative but the football we are playing is positive. We play well and create chances. If you do not score, you lose, but we are not finished. We are alive and positive.”

What happens next

Italy play Turkiye on Monday, with Tonali urging the new-look squad to show an immediate reaction after Belgium.

Once the international break ends, Tottenham face a demanding run of fixtures:

Tonali drew a distinction between Spurs’ problems and Italy’s longer-term rebuild, stressing that the national team are still learning to play together rather than dealing with an established unit in decline.