Sandro Tonali will now complete his transfer to Newcastle United sooner than expected after Italy bowed out of the under-21s European Championships. The Azzurri suffered a narrow defeat to Norway in their final group game on Wednesday night, allowing Switzerland to pip them to second spot in Group D.
Newcastle's negotiations with AC Milan and Tonali have been conducted around the summer tournament, with meetings being held in both Italy and Romania as a result. The 23-year-old has agreed terms on a six-year contract, and no complications are anticipated for the transfer which will be worth at least £55 million.
Tonali started all three of Italy's group games, providing an exciting glimpse for the Toon Army tuning in to watch their imminent signing in action. The midfielder produced a pinpoint assist for former club team-mate Pietro Pellegri in their opening defeat to France, and followed this by teeing-up Lorenzo Pirola for the first goal in their 3-2 win over Switzerland.
