Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sandro Tonali could take on a deeper role for Italy after national team manager Roberto Mancini identified him as a potential solution to his side's shortage of specialist playmakers.
The 26-year-old has become an important figure under Roberto De Zerbi since completing his £100 million move from Newcastle United in July.
However, Mancini believes Tonali's versatility could prove valuable as Italy prepare for UEFA Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium.
Roberto Mancini considers Sandro Tonali for regista role
Speaking at Monday's press conference, Mancini acknowledged that Italy currently lack a specialist regista, a midfielder responsible for controlling possession and dictating the tempo from deep.
"At the moment, we don't have a regista; we don't have a deep-lying playmaker," the Italy manager explained.
"Hopefully, someone younger will emerge over the coming months, but we do have players like Tonali who can fill that role."
Tonali's passing range and experience in different midfield positions make him a possible option.
Mancini has not confirmed whether he will deploy the Tottenham midfielder in that role against France or Belgium.
Tottenham's £100m signing continues development under De Zerbi
Tonali joined Spurs from Newcastle in July for an initial £92.5 million, with another £7.5 million available in performance-related bonuses.
The transfer made him Tottenham's record signing and the most expensive Italian footballer in history.
De Zerbi played a significant role in securing the deal, personally visiting Tonali before the midfielder agreed to move to north London.
Their relationship could help Tonali develop the tactical flexibility Mancini wants from his international midfielders.
Italy prepare for crucial Nations League fixtures
Italy host France at San Siro on Thursday, 12 November, before travelling to Brussels to face Belgium on Sunday, 15 November.
The matches offer Mancini an opportunity to assess different midfield combinations as Italy pursue qualification for the Nations League knockout stages.
For Tottenham, Tonali's international involvement follows Saturday's 1-0 Premier League defeat against Leeds United, which ended their three-match winning run.
Key Points
- Mancini considers Tonali an option as Italy's deep-lying playmaker.
- The Italy manager believes his squad lacks a specialist regista.
- Tottenham signed Tonali from Newcastle in a deal worth up to £100 million.
- Italy face France and Belgium during the November international break.
What's Next?
Mancini must decide whether to test Tonali in a deeper position, while Tottenham hope their midfielder returns fit for the Premier League's resumption.
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