Willy Gnonto might need to quit Leeds United as Italy decision defended
David Norris says it was the correct call from Italy national team coach Luciano Spalletti not to include Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto in his Euro 2024 squad.
Gnonto, 20, has already scooped 13 full Italian caps and one goal, last playing for the senior Azzurri in September 2023 – but after a season in the Championship was not considered for the Euros.
Spalletti did reveal earlier this year that some U21 internationals may receive call-ups, but Gnonto’s omission was the right call according to former Leeds man Norris.
“I think Italy were right – I think he’s done alright, but hasn’t lived up to his standards and there were question marks over his attitude at the start of the season,” Norris exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“Sometimes it feels as if he looks disinterested, and he has frustrated the fans in the past – I just think on this occasion Italy were right not to [call him up].
“If he gets back to his own high standard and keeps his attitude right, it’ll come for him again anyway – maybe he needs a new club and some consistency.”
Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto fights to return to Italy squad
Whilst Gnonto cheers on Italy from his summer break, a move back to the highest level may be his best route back to international recognition.
Only five of his caps have been from the starting XI, but to have accumulated 13 caps at his tender age for the European champions and a nation as decorated as Italy is a tremendous feat.
Gnonto at least did the right thing in returning to play for Leeds after a badly-advised spell refusing to play at Elland Road and scored eight goals with three assists in the Championship in 2023-24.
Whilst some quarters have predicted him to continue his development in West Yorkshire, others say the Inter Milan youth product could benefit from a return to Italy, with Napoli recently linked with a punt.
Whether Gnonto’s priority now is to grind out promotion with Leeds or seek a move – potentially back home – in the approaching weeks will be made clear soon.
In other Leeds news, Don Goodman has given his take on Crysencio Summerville’s links to Brighton this week.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.