Sandro Tonali expressed his comfort during Italy`s 3-1 World Cup qualifier victory against Estonia, simultaneously stressing the team`s imperative to “believe more in ourselves and cultivate that confidence.”
The Azzurri, who previously dominated Estonia with a 5-0 win during Gennaro Gattuso’s debut in Bergamo, secured a 3-1 victory in Tallinn this evening.
Moise Kean opened the scoring but then suffered an ankle sprain; later, Mateo Retegui found the net, redeeming himself after missing a penalty earlier.
Substitute Francesco Pio Esposito netted his inaugural goal for the senior Italian squad, despite Gianluigi Donnarumma’s blunder allowing Estonia a consolation goal.
Tonali Acknowledges Italy`s Progress in Estonia Match
“This performance is beneficial for our confidence, which we are steadily rebuilding. Our ball control was among the few instances where we genuinely felt comfortable, even during the final 10 minutes when the opposition pushed forward aggressively,” Tonali shared with Sky Sport Italia.
“We demonstrated respect for Estonia, yet simultaneously showcased our style of play and our strong desire to secure the points.”
Esposito was greeted with applause from the senior players in the locker room, having scored his debut goal at just 20 years old.
“He earned it. When a player joins the national team and gives one hundred percent, scoring a goal, it`s only right for him to receive such appreciation. There’s no denying his talent and commendable attitude,” Tonali remarked.
“Some players are just starting their journey, but they know what they’re doing and don`t require constant guidance. Today, we played well for virtually the entire 90 minutes, showcasing both confidence and courage.”
Italy employed a 4-4-2 formation featuring attacking wide players Riccardo Orsolini and Giacomo Raspadori, while control of the midfield was entrusted to Tonali and Inter`s Nicolò Barella.
“We share a good rapport and work effectively together, both on and off the pitch. If one person doesn`t cover a space, the other will step in. There`s no shortage of desire to run and work hard here, making everything quite straightforward.”
This month, Paul Scholes praised Tonali as the Premier League`s top performer for his contributions at Newcastle United, yet at the outset of this World Cup qualifying campaign, he, like several teammates, faced challenges with the Italian national team.
“We have certainly improved many aspects. While we aren`t perfect in everything, we`ve made significant strides and will continue to do so,” the midfielder responded.
“It`s therefore right to reflect on our past and recall where we stood just a few months ago. However, we must also foster greater self-belief, display more courage, and remember that continuous improvement is within our grasp.
“We are the ones representing Italy on the pitch, so we must be the first to exhibit confidence in ourselves.”
