Italian media react to what Leeds United ace Willy Gnonto did last night
Wilfried Gnonto had a mixed performance as the Leeds United star featured in Italy Under-21s’ clash with Ireland Under-21s on Tuesday (15 October).
The 20-year-old assisted the opening goal as Chelsea’s Cesare Casadei powered home after 23 minutes, though Gnonto would later miss a penalty kick to double his side’s lead in the Euro U21 qualifier.
Ireland would eventually take advantage of the Leeds man’s miss from 12 yards, equalising in the 66th minute, yet a 1-1 draw was enough for Italy to claim the top spot in their group and qualify for the tournament.
Reacting to his performance, OA Sport Calcio [15 October] awarded a 6.5/10 rating and wrote: “When he sprints and varies on the wings, it is really difficult to contain him. It was in one of these gallops that Casadei was needed to break the deadlock.
“A few minutes later he picks up the ball and shoots; the goalkeeper pushes it on the crossbar. Uncontrollable. However, he sends the penalty of the possible 2-0 skyrocketing and slowly goes out.”
Corriere della Sera [15 October] wrote: “From the penalty spot, Gnonto appears, but his shot is to be forgotten. He kicks badly and the ball ends up high.”
Wilfried Gnonto returns to Leeds United after mixed international display
Gnonto has emerged as one of Daniel Farke’s biggest stars, but considering his young age and inexperience, mistakes are bound to be made along the way.
The winger already has two goals and four assists to his name in the Championship this term, attempting to fill the shoes left by Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter’s departures during the summer.
Farke will need the Italian firing on all cylinders if Leeds are to secure promotion to the Premier League at the second time of asking, having missed out via the play-off final last season.
While the penalty miss will have crushed his confidence somewhat, especially given Ireland were able to equalise, qualifying for Euro U21 should do wonders to make him return to Elland Road full of positivity.
With Sheffield United up next, Gnonto will be one of the most dangerous outlets for the Whites, and he cannot allow his penalty miss to affect his form upon returning to Yorkshire.
In other Leeds United news, one “frustrated” star was slammed for his display on international duty.
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