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Italy legend impressed by Tonali’s maturity

Sandro Tonali, Gianluca Zambrotta
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Former Italy full-back Gianluca Zambrotta has heaped praise on the AC Milan marquee summer signing Sandro Tonali.

Tonali turned down plenty of Europe’s top clubs to fulfill his boyhood dream of wearing the AC Milan shirt this summer.

Inter Milan, Manchester United, and Liverpool were some of the sides interested in acquiring the youngster’s signature.

However, the 20-year-old’s desire to play at the San Siro one day has eventually helped the ‘Rossoneri’ prevail in a tough race.

Having joined on a season-long loan for €10million with an option to buy for €15m, plus €10m in add-ons, Tonali has already recorded six competitive outings this season.

Despite making just a handful of appearances for Milan, the Italian midfielder has already caught the eye of Zambrotta.

“At 20, he seems to have the experience in his DNA, his maturity strikes you,” former Milan legend said, as relayed by the Football-Italia.

“But let’s remember he comes from Brescia, who fought for different targets. I know the difference between provincial camps and stadiums like Camp Nou or San Siro.

“If you are not mentally strong enough, you risk paying for it.”

Zambrotta has also tipped Tonali to form up a formidable midfield partnership with Ismael Bennacer, though insisting on Franck Kessie’s value too.

“He and Bennacer together intrigues me, without taking anything from Kessie, who is vital for the team’s balance.”

Bennacer and Kessie were Milan’s driving force back in 2019/20, but with Tonali now in the equation, the duo faces strong competition for a place in Stefano Pioli’s starting XI.

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