English Premier League

Italian Stars in the Premier League: Vicario’s Comeback, Tonali’s Struggle

Italian Stars in the Premier League Vicarios Comeback Tonalis Struggle

Italy international Guglielmo Vicario makes a save during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Manchester United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Italian footballers plying their trade in the Premier League had a mixed weekend, with Guglielmo Vicario enjoying a victorious return for Tottenham Hotspur, but Sandro Tonali and Newcastle United suffering a heavy defeat against Manchester City.

Vicario’s Triumphant Comeback for Spurs

Guglielmo Vicario made his long-awaited return from a fractured ankle injury, going straight back into the starting lineup for Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday. The Italian goalkeeper had been sidelined for 11 weeks after undergoing surgery, during which time Spurs had managed just two clean sheets in 12 Premier League matches.

Vicario’s return was a timely boost for Ange Postecoglou’s side, and the 26-year-old Italy international even took on the captain’s armband after James Maddison was substituted in the second half.

1739807470 659 Italian Stars in the Premier League Vicarios Comeback Tonalis StruggleTottenham Hotspur claps the fans during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Manchester United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)” data- style=”aspect-ratio:1200/800;max-width:1200px” />
Italy international Guglielmo Vicario claps the fans during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Manchester United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Destiny Udogie, another Italian, was also named in the Tottenham matchday squad for the first time since his recent hamstring injury, though he remained an unused substitute.

Tonali’s Struggles as Newcastle Suffer Defeat

It was a much tougher day at the office for Sandro Tonali and his Newcastle United teammates, as they were hammered 4-0 by reigning champions Manchester City. A hat-trick from Omar Marmoush in the first half put the game beyond the Magpies’ reach.

Local newspaper the Shields Gazette gave Tonali a disappointing rating of 4/10 for his performance, stating that it was his worst display of the 2024-25 season so far. Newcastle have been in impressive form for much of the campaign, but this heavy defeat was their fourth loss in their last five Premier League outings.

1739807470 526 Italian Stars in the Premier League Vicarios Comeback Tonalis StruggleManchester City scores his team’s fourth goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Newcastle United FC at Etihad Stadium on February 15, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)” data- style=”aspect-ratio:1200/800;max-width:1200px” />
James McAtee scores his team’s fourth goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Newcastle United FC at Etihad Stadium on February 15, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

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