Wilfried Gnonto, Leeds United and Italy U21s forward. Credit: Imago
Wilfried Gnonto, Leeds United and Italy U21s forward. Credit: Imago

Italian media react to what Leeds United ace Willy Gnonto did last night

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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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.

Leeds United star Willy Gnonto
Willy Gnonto is a high-value player at Leeds United. (Credit: Imago)

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.

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