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BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 18: Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona is challenged by Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Italy are on edge after Sandro Tonali went off injured clutching his left thigh during Newcastle United’s Champions League clash with Barcelona.
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The midfielder was in the starting XI for the chaotic encounter at Camp Nou, which had Barcelona winning 3-2 at half-time after a 1-1 first leg result in England.
The Blaugrana had expanded their advantage to lead 4-2 by the time Tonali was forced off the field at the 55th minute.
He was down hurt and clutching the side of his left thigh after a lunging tackle at the by-line, eventually replaced by Joe Willock.
Italy fear for Tonali fitness
This will cause concern for Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso, because Tonali would be one of the first names in the list for the upcoming 2026 World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland.
Gattuso was already forced to lose one player today, as Lazio confirmed a serious muscular injury for wide attacker Mattia Zaccagni.
It remains to be seen how bad the situation is for Tonali, and whether or not he will be available for Italy’s crucial path to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
