NEWCASTLE star Sandro Tonali’s wait to get back on the pitch is nearly over.
The Italian was slapped with a ten-month ban following an investigation into betting breaches.
His punishment came just three months and 12 appearances after joining Newcastle from AC Milan for £55million.
Tonali’s ban saw him miss Euro 2024 and become something of a forgotten man at St James’ Park.
But Newcastle have stood by the 24-year-old and, alongside his rehab, have helped shape him into a reborn star raring to go.
Tonali is available for the Carabao Cup tie against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night and he could make his first appearance since October 25, 2023.
It’s been a difficult period for the player as he battled an addiction and tried to settle into a new country without football at the same time.
Support from friends, family and club chiefs have all been vital, with his personal manager Andrea Romeo a key part of the midfielder’s rejuvenation.
He has been a father figure to Tonali and he lives just up the road from him in Newcastle.
They cook, eat, play Monopoly and even spend time with Romeo’s kids together.
Tonali has opted to stay in Newcastle during his ban to help him settle into life in the north of England.
His girlfriend Juliette Pastore has lived with him, with the couple enjoying dog walks in Gosforth, as well as coastal towns Tynemouth and Bamburgh.
But the model and clothes designer has now returned to Italy to allow him to fully focus on his Toon comeback.
Tonali only returned to see his family in Italy around Christmas and then went on holiday to Dubai after club staff noticed he was beginning to struggle as the ban took its toll.
He has instead lived the life of luxury in Newcastle, dining in several high-end restaurants and he has been regularly spotted sipping wine and coffee at his favourite cafe around midday.
A more Italian level of sophistication rather than going to Wetherspoons as he did just weeks after joining.
As part of his rehab, Tonali spoke to students in his homeland, saying: “Hiding behind the barriers of a problem is never the solution. You have to talk about it, instead. Get help.
“My true wealth is not the millionaire contracts, but being surrounded by people who love me and continue to show it to me every day.”
Tonali has also visited a factory in the north-east and posed for photos with fans while dressed in a hi-vis jacket.
His humble nature has seen him become a hit in the dressing room and he is reportedly close pals with Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron.
Reports claim there is a “cheeky” side to him and he has a “big heart”.
He has been at all the team’s social events and after arriving in Newcastle speaking very little English – he is now much more confident with the language.
Plus, he has cheered on the club from being FaceTimed by Romeo in the away end to watching the Magpies’ Under-19s face AC Milan from the stands in December.
On the pitch, Tonali has been using his time away from the Premier League to improve as a player.
Coaches have been teaching him the Eddie Howe style and trained him up in individual sessions for much of last season.
The Telegraph report that insiders say: “He is not as flamboyant as Bruno, but he is every bit as good, just as effective. He will bring calmness, as well as high energy. He will use the ball so intelligently.”
Shooting has been an area they have looked to improve and he now supposedly boasts the most powerful shot in the squad.
Extra gym sessions have also helped him bulk up and improve on his fitness.
There has been mental health support given to him by club psychologist Dr Ian Mitchell, who has assisted Tonali with “tackling his demons” and keeping his eyes focused on the goal of pulling on his No8 shirt again.
Meetings with Italian professor Gabriele Sani, who diagnosed him with his addiction, have also taken place.
Meanwhile, Howe has protected him publicly, saying: “I see the person. I see the human. I see the pain and distress.
“He is devastated. That’s why my thoughts are always with the player and making sure we look after him.”
And ahead of his comeback, Howe said: “He will definitely be in the squad, he is fit, he just hasn’t had the game time.
“He has done everything else. He has worked incredibly hard to be on top of his fitness.
“I imagine a range of emotions, a lot of excitement, when you have a long time out, you have a long time to analyse and reflect.
“Now it is just back to doing what he loves. It will be an incredible release for him. I want Sandro to come back and enjoy his football.”
