Newcastle star Sandro Tonali writes ‘football poetry’ with magical assist on Italy return after ten-month betting ban

SANDRO TONALI capped a "magnificent" international return with a moment of magic to help Italy beat France.

The Newcastle United midfielder’s ten-month suspension for breaching betting regulations ended last week.

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Tonali, 24, started Toon’s Carabao Cup victory at Nottingham Forest and then came off the bench in Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League triumph over Tottenham.

Despite his lack of action, Azzurri boss Luciano Spalletti still called him up and wasted no time in throwing him straight into the action against the formidable France on Friday.

Even though Italy fell behind inside a minute in Paris, they fought back to win with goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori in their Nations League opener.

Tonali showed he had no ring rust by not only completing the full 90 minutes, but also producing an audaciously cheeky flick to set-up Dimarco the equaliser.

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And Spalletti said after: "He put in a magnificent performance.

"We were a bit worried he wouldn't be able to play the full 90 minutes but, in the final stages, he went on a couple of driving runs and almost got through on goal.

"We've got a great player back."

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe spoke about Tonali last month ahead his return to the side.

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He said: "I don’t know if debt is the right word but Sandro will naturally feel he wants to repay everyone here for the trust we’ve shown in him when we signed him.

"We’ve tried to support the human rather than ­treating him as a footballer, first and foremost.

"I’ve seen enough of Sandro [in training] all these months to back his ability. I still love the player."

Tonali could make his first Premier League start since returning from his ban when Newcastle travel to Wolves on September 15.