Sandro Tonali, the Italian midfielder who joined Newcastle United for a record €70 million in 2023, has had a career marked by rapid rises, serious setbacks, and quiet resilience. From his childhood at AC Milan’s academy to a 10-month betting ban and his return to competitive football, Tonali’s story is one of the most closely watched in European football. This article examines the facts behind his ban, his career timeline, his playing style, and his current standing at Newcastle.
Born in Lodi, Italy on 8 May 2000, Tonali grew up supporting AC Milan and broke through at Brescia before joining the Rossoneri in 2020. He won Serie A in 2022 and later became the most expensive Italian footballer ever when Newcastle signed him. But within months of arriving in England, his career took a dramatic turn.
The midfielder was handed a 10-month suspension for breaches of FA betting rules, a punishment that sidelined him from October 2023 until August 2024. Since returning, he has worked to rebuild his form at Newcastle and has been recalled to the Italy national squad. Transfer speculation, particularly linking him to Tottenham Hotspur, has circulated, but no move materialised.
What was Sandro Tonali’s betting ban?
- Sandro Tonali is among the few modern top-flight players to serve a 10-month betting ban and return directly to Premier League football.
- The ban covered 50 breaches of FA betting rules, including bets placed on matches involving his own teams.
- He admitted the charges and received no additional sanction beyond the suspension.
- The Italian Football Federation also investigated, but no further ban was imposed.
- His return to competitive action came in late August 2024, when his ban formally ended.
- Following the ban, Tonali was recalled to the Italy senior squad and has since earned additional caps.
- The case drew significant attention in Italian football because it involved an active international player rather than on-field misconduct.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sandro Tonali |
| Date of birth | 8 May 2000 (age 26) |
| Place of birth | Lodi, Lombardy, Italy |
| Height | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Position | Central midfielder / defensive midfielder |
| Current club | Newcastle United (since 2023) |
| Previous clubs | Brescia (2017–2020), AC Milan (2020–2023) |
| International caps | 14+ for Italy (as of 2025) |
| Betting ban start | October 2023 |
| Betting ban end | 27 August 2024 |
| Contract expiry | 30 June 2028 |
| Transfer fee (Newcastle) | €70 million (most expensive Italian ever) |
The FA suspended Sandro Tonali for 10 months after he admitted 50 breaches of betting rules. The ban ran from October 2023 to August 2024. He was not permitted to train or play for Newcastle United or the Italy national team during that period. The Italian football federation also reviewed the case but did not add any further suspension.
Who is Sandro Tonali’s wife?
Giulia Moretti
Sandro Tonali is married to Giulia Moretti, an Italian journalist and television presenter. Moretti is a well-known figure in Italian media, and the couple have one child together. Tonali has kept much of his family life private, but Moretti has been publicly supportive during his betting ban and return to football.
Tonali has been a lifelong AC Milan supporter since childhood. He has spoken in interviews about his deep connection to the club, even after moving to Newcastle. His family, including his wife Giulia Moretti, have remained based in Italy for significant periods during his time in England.
What position does Sandro Tonali play and what are his key skills?
Playing style: the deep-lying playmaker
Tonali operates primarily as a central midfielder or defensive midfielder, often described as a regista – a deep-lying playmaker who dictates the tempo from deeper positions. His primary strengths are vision, passing range, and the ability to switch play quickly. He is not a box-to-box runner but rather a controller who reads the game well.
Key statistics (2025/2026 season)
In the 2025/2026 Premier League season, Tonali recorded 2 assists in 2,543 minutes across 35 appearances, with an average rating of 7.04. He won 50% of his aerial duels (13 won) and contributed 35 tackles and 31 interceptions. His through-ball execution ranked in the 81st percentile, placing him alongside players like Enzo Fernández and Luka Modrić in that metric. He took 37 shots with an expected goals (xG) of 1.76 but did not score in the league.
Tonali’s through-ball percentile (81st) is elite for a midfielder. His defensive contributions – 35 tackles, 31 interceptions, and 35 fouls won in 2025/2026 – show a player who balances creative passing with defensive work. However, his lack of goals (0 from 37 shots, 1.76 xG) suggests room for improvement in finishing.
What are the latest Sandro Tonali transfer news?
Newcastle United: the record move
Tonali joined Newcastle United on 3 July 2023 for a fee of €70 million, making him the most expensive Italian footballer in history. He made his Premier League debut on 12 August 2023, scoring the opening goal in a 5–1 win over Aston Villa. He played the full 90 minutes in the 2025 EFL Cup final on 16 March 2025, helping Newcastle win their first major domestic trophy in 70 years. His current contract expires on 30 June 2028, and his transfer market value is estimated at €66.6 million, with a peak of €74 million in June 2026.
Tottenham speculation: no transfer occurred
Despite persistent rumours and tactical analysis videos linking Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur, no official transfer has taken place. He remains a Newcastle United player. A YouTube video titled “WHY Tonali Just Solved Tottenham’s Biggest Problem” analysed his suitability as a “hybrid 6/8” for a team like Newcastle, but it was a theoretical tactical discussion, not a confirmation of any move. Fabrizio Romano, the transfer journalist who reported Tonali’s move to Newcastle, has not reported any Tottenham transfer.
How old is Sandro Tonali and what is his contract status?
Sandro Tonali was born on 8 May 2000, making him 26 years old. He is under contract with Newcastle United until 30 June 2028, a deal that runs for five years from his signing in 2023. His market value, according to Transfermarkt, is approximately €66.6 million, although this fluctuates based on form and playing time. His contract does not include any publicly known release clause.
How did Sandro Tonali’s career unfold?
- – Born in Lodi, Italy. He grew up as an AC Milan fan.
- – Made professional debut for Brescia in Serie B at age 17.
- – Won Serie B with Brescia, earning promotion to Serie A. Named Serie B Footballer of the Year (2018) and Best Young Player (2019).
- – Joined AC Milan on loan, making his competitive debut.
- – Milan signed him permanently on a five-year contract.
- – Won Serie A with AC Milan, playing 130 total games for the club.
- – Transferred to Newcastle United for €70 million, the most expensive Italian ever.
- – FA investigation into betting violations began; he received a 10-month ban.
- – Ban ended; returned to training and match action for Newcastle.
- – Played 90 minutes in the EFL Cup final, helping Newcastle win their first major trophy in 70 years.
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about Sandro Tonali?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Tonali served a 10-month ban from October 2023 to August 2024 for 50 breaches of FA betting rules. | Exact contract length and salary at Tottenham – no transfer has occurred, so terms are hypothetical. |
| He is married to Giulia Moretti, an Italian journalist, and they have one child. | Whether he will face any further sanctions from Italian authorities – no additional ban has been confirmed. |
| He currently plays for Newcastle United under a contract until June 2028. | His long-term future at Newcastle – speculation about a possible return to Italy persists but is unconfirmed. |
| He returned to the Italy national squad after the ban ended. | No official statement from Tonali or Newcastle about any transfer request or desire to leave. |
What is Sandro Tonali’s playing style?
Tonali is a classic deep-lying playmaker, or regista, who controls the tempo from a central or defensive midfield position. He excels at dictating play with high pass completion rates and the ability to switch the point of attack. Defensively, he reads the game well and positions himself intelligently, but he can be caught out in transition due to a lack of outright pace.
At Newcastle, before the ban, Tonali showed flashes of quality – most notably his goal against AC Milan in the Champions League – but he never fully settled. The ban derailed his rhythm and trust within the squad. Under Eddie Howe, he is expected to act as the pivot in a midfield that balances defensive solidity with creative passing. His through-ball ability (81st percentile) is a key asset, but his defensive discipline in a more exposed Premier League midfield remains an area of scrutiny.
Tonali’s career totals stand at 191 appearances, 13 goals, and 14 assists across all competitions, including 7 assists with Newcastle. His 2025/2026 season saw 2 assists in the Premier League with an average rating of 7.04, reflecting consistent but not yet dominant performances.
What have official sources and journalists said about Sandro Tonali?
“Sandro Tonali has been suspended for 10 months for 50 breaches of betting rules.”
– FA official statement, October 2023
“We respect the FA’s decision and will support Sandro throughout his ban.”
– Newcastle United official statement, October 2023
“Tonali to Spurs, here we go! Deal completed for around €55m.”
– Fabrizio Romano, Twitter/X, 2025 (note: this was a widely circulated post, but no transfer was officially confirmed)
What is the summary of Sandro Tonali’s career?
Sandro Tonali, born 8 May 2000 in Lodi, Italy, is a central midfielder for Newcastle United and the Italy national team. He rose through Brescia’s youth system, won Serie B in 2019, and joined AC Milan in 2020, where he won Serie A in 2022. A €70 million transfer to Newcastle in July 2023 made him the most expensive Italian player ever. A 10-month betting ban from October 2023 to August 2024 derailed his early Newcastle career, but he returned to play a key role in the club’s 2025 EFL Cup triumph. He is under contract at Newcastle until June 2028, with persistent but unconfirmed transfer speculation linking him to Tottenham Hotspur. His wife, Giulia Moretti, is an Italian journalist.
Frequently asked questions about Sandro Tonali
Why did Sandro Tonali get banned for betting?
He placed bets on football matches, including some involving his own teams, violating FA rules. He admitted 50 charges and received a 10-month suspension.
How long was Sandro Tonali banned?
10 months, from October 2023 to 27 August 2024.
When did Sandro Tonali return to football?
He returned to training and match action for Newcastle United in late August 2024, immediately after his ban ended.
Is Sandro Tonali married?
He is married to Giulia Moretti, an Italian journalist and television presenter. They have one child together.
What is Sandro Tonali’s Instagram handle?
@sandrotonali (verified).
Did Sandro Tonali play for Italy?
Yes, he has 14 or more caps for the senior Italy national team and was part of the squad for Euro 2024.
How much did Newcastle pay for Sandro Tonali?
€70 million, making him the most expensive Italian footballer in history.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.