Willy Gnonto produced a superb display for Italy’s U21 side on Tuesday and scored a brace in Cork, including a 96th-minute equaliser – new Leeds United target Sam Curtis could not deal with him.
Gnonto, 19, was sensational for Italy’s U21 side. After a brace against San Marino, he netted both of Italy’s goals including a penalty, which he won. He also hit the post, unlucky not to score a hat-trick.
Gnonto was the best player on the pitch, as per Italian’s media and clearly, Ireland’s defence could not handle him. A defence that included 17-year-old Curtis, who has emerged as a target for the Whites.
90Min say Tottenham, Liverpool, both Manchester clubs, Celtic, Middlesbrough and Hull are also admirers of the St. Pat’s teenager. The Irish side expect their talented youngster to leave in January.
Curtis is a wonderkid. He has already played 60 times at senior level for his club, who finished third in the top tier of Irish football. With the Irish season over, St. Pat’s are expecting to cash in on Curtis.
New Leeds target Sam Curtis could not deal with Willy Gnonto
Leeds onlookers will have been keeping an eye on Gnonto’s display – but, if reports are to be believed, they will have also checked Curtis’ display. Now, at 17 and still a rookie, Gnonto is a top-tier opponent.
So, it was always going to be tricky for him to cope with a player that has worried the best defences in English football – and won senior Italy caps. He played as a right wing-back, but was often defending.
Italy dominated possession and pinned Ireland back for much of the match and while Gnonto was playing up top, he was playing from the left – which is how he won the penalty. He duly dispatched it.
In fact, it was Curtis that deflected Gnonto’s shot onto the arm of an opponent. So, while it was always a tall order for the “unbelievable” Curtis to stop Gnonto – he failed to do so, as Gnonto ran riot.
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