Tonali Italy Return: Midfielder Admits He Wanted Serie A Before Spurs Move

FolioPitch.com – 31 July 2026 | Sandro Tonali admits he had decided to come back in Italy before Spurs move became his reality, revealing in a candid interview that a return to Serie A was his primary desire this summer. The 26-year-old Italian international, who joined Tottenham Hotspur from Newcastle United for a club-record £100 million, spoke openly about the thought process behind his decision.

The midfielder’s admission comes as no surprise to those who have followed his career. Tonali, who rose through the ranks at Brescia before joining AC Milan, has long been linked with a return to his homeland. However, financial realities ultimately forced him to consider alternatives, and Tottenham emerged as the most compelling option.

In the interview with the BBC, Tonali detailed how conversations with Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi played a pivotal role. De Zerbi, who also has a past at Brescia, quickly established a connection with the midfielder. Tonali revealed that the first impression was overwhelming, even though he had also spoken with another club.

“Honestly, I spoke with another team [also]. When you speak with a team, the first impression is a big thing and my impression was very positive. When you are happy after a 10-minute chat, it’s everything, everything is perfect,” Tonali said. He further explained that his wife was the first person he consulted, as the couple sought a change not just in location but in their entire lifestyle.

Tonali admits he had decided to come back in Italy before Spurs move but conceded that the financial aspect made a Serie A return impossible this summer. “We had decided to come back in Italy but it was impossible for the money,” he stated. This revelation underscores the economic gap between the Premier League and Serie A, a factor that has influenced many top players’ career choices.

The midfielder’s longing for Italy is deeply rooted in his personal history. Brescia, his boyhood club, holds a special place in his heart, and he mentioned the difficult situation facing the club. “We spoke about Brescia, about the difficult situation facing our club. Brescia is so small,” Tonali recalled, highlighting the bond he maintains with the club that nurtured his talent.

Despite the initial desire to return to Italy, Tonali emphasized that England became the best solution for his career and family. “England was our solution and we found the best solution in England for me, for my career, for my football, for my happiness, for my family. I spoke with two teams. I understood after 10, 15 minutes that Tottenham would be my next team,” he explained.

This move reunites Tonali with De Zerbi, a coach whose tactical philosophy and personal connection proved decisive. De Zerbi’s own history at Brescia created an immediate bond, and the manager’s vision for Tonali aligned perfectly with the player’s aspirations. The pair’s collaboration at Tottenham is already generating significant buzz among Premier League observers.

Tonali’s admission also sheds light on the broader dynamics of the transfer market. Top players often prioritize financial security and competitive opportunities, and while emotional ties to home remain strong, practical considerations frequently take precedence. The midfielder’s candidness offers a rare glimpse into the complex decision-making process behind a high-profile transfer.

For AC Milan fans, there may be a sense of what could have been. Tonali’s time at San Siro was marked by steady growth, and he became a fan favorite. However, the club’s financial constraints and the allure of the Premier League led to his initial move to Newcastle, and now to Tottenham. A future return to Italy is not entirely off the table, but Tonali appears fully committed to his new chapter in North London.

Tonali admits he had decided to come back in Italy before Spurs move, but his focus is now firmly on delivering for Tottenham. The midfielder is expected to play a central role under De Zerbi, and his ability to control the tempo from deep positions will be crucial to the team’s ambitions. Early indications suggest he has settled in well, with teammates praising his professionalism and work ethic.

The broader context of Tonali’s move also highlights the growing financial disparity between European leagues. While Serie A remains prestigious, the spending power of English clubs continues to attract top talent. Tonali’s case is a prime example of how economic factors can override emotional and cultural connections.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Tonali adapts to the demands of the Premier League. His partnership with De Zerbi will be closely scrutinized, and there is optimism that he can replicate—or even exceed—the form he showed in Italy. For now, the midfielder is at peace with his decision, even as he acknowledges the allure of a homecoming that was not to be.

In conclusion, Sandro Tonali admits he had decided to come back in Italy before Spurs move, but reality dictated otherwise. His journey from Brescia to Milan, Newcastle, and now Tottenham is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. While Italian football may have lost a talented son, Tottenham fans have gained a world-class midfielder who is determined to make his mark.