Paolo Di Canio may have made himself public enemy number one on Tyneside back in the day but the former AC Milan star and Sunderland boss has backed Newcastle United-bound Sandro Tonali to 'explode' in the Premier League
The Italian caused carnage back in 2013 after celebrating his second game in charge, a 3-0 win over Newcastle, by knee-sliding down the St James' Park touchline. Di Canio isn't looked on favourably for his antics that day but knows a thing or two about Serie A stars joining the English game and is confident Tonali will represent a good bit of business when Newcastle complete the transfer.
“I hope Tonali explodes soon, but he will find a physical football, with more pace. Potentially he will replace [Sean] Longstaff,” Di Canio told Sky Sport Italia last week.
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“Tonali is accustomed to paying in a 4-2-3-1 system and will need to adapt [to 4-3-3] and understand. Newcastle have a clear view. They have signed an established player who has already won the Serie A. He is already a leader, he has played in the Champions League and Newcastle have the ambition to play at these levels for a long time."
Tonali's arrival will see an already fierce battle for places intensify as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his starting XI. Newcastle will be fighting on four fronts next term meaning regular rotation will be key.
Di Canio believes for that reason, Tonali may not start every game upon his arrival at Newcastle. However, the outspoken coach-turned-pundit thinks the midfielder could one day become a future captain in the north east.
“He won’t be a regular starter, there will be rotations and we can already predict it,” Di Canio added. “Perhaps, he will become the captain and the leader in one year, but initially he will be one of the four-five midfielders that will rotate because the Premier League is very demanding and Newcastle will play in the most important competition in Europe.”
