Italian media outlet Sport Virgilio handed Leeds United star Willy Gnonto 6.5/10 – his side’s best – as Italy’s U21 side secured their first win of the European Championships over Switzerland. Gnonto has received praise for his display.
Gnonto, 19, has already won 12 caps for Italy’s senior side but on Sunday night, he started for the first time at U21 level. Italy suffered defeat to Illan Meslier’s France in the first game, and desperately needed to win on Sunday.
They did just that, with Gnonto putting Italy 2-0 up – after Lorenzo Pirola had opened the scoring. Fabiano Parisi made it 3-0 to Italy at the break. The Swiss fought back to make it 3-2, but Italy finally held on to secure a win.
Gnonto lasted 71 minutes, impressing in his first start. There are high hopes for Gnonto at this tournament, and a hope that he can deliver success with this young Italian side. He certainly helped do that on Sunday evening.
Sport Virgilio had their say, saying he started well but tailed off: “Very good first half for the blue striker. His speed sent the opposing defence into crisis and finds the first goal with the U21 shirt. In the second half, he drops a lot.”
Italian media hand Leeds United star Willy Gnonto 6.5/10 for Sunday
Just what Italy needed. The 21’s needed their big players to step up and Gnonto certainly did that during the 70 minutes he was on the pitch. In front of scouts galore, Gnonto proved he was a step above the rest of these players.
Back at home, Gnonto remains more than likely to be sold in the coming weeks. A new manager at Leeds is likely to be announced this week, and from there on in, the club can start to sell and sign. Gnonto is an expected casualty.
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