Italian media react to Willy Gnonto performance as Leeds United winger features from bench in loss to England
Leeds United winger Willy Gnonto was handed a 20-minute cameo from the bench by Italy manager Roberto Mancini in their loss to England on Thursday (23 March).
The young attacker came on for Lorenzo Pellegrini in the 69th minute of the Euro 2024 qualifying match in Napoli, which England won 2-1.
The Italian media have since reacted to the brief but exciting display from Leeds star Gnonto, who will be keen to start the next match against Malta on Sunday (26 March).
According to Sky Sports Italy, the youngster was “lively and enterprising,” when he tried to sprint and put some “interesting balls in from the left.”
For La Gazzetta dello Sport, “Gnonto and the substitutes did well,” with Corriere della Sera noting that there were “positive signs” from the Leeds man.
Calciomercato meanwhile noted that the “tandem” with left-back Leonardo Spinazzola works, adding that “various interesting situations are created on this axis.”
Also praising the winger was Goal Italy, who noted that manager Roberto Mancini may be regretting not starting the Leeds teen: “Gusts and crosses that, in Mancini, some regrets about the choice of the 11 starters will certainly emerge.”
And another site that noticed Gnonto’s impact was Tuttosport, who said the attacker gave a “boost of adrenaline and unpredictability.”
Time for a start?
Gnonto was certainly lively when he entered the fray with just over 20 minutes remaining, with the tricky winger giving England right-back a torrid time throughout his brief cameo.
His efforts were, however, in vain, with the hosts unable to secure a point in the Euro 2024 qualifying opener.
Italy as a whole were somewhat uninspiring on the night, with Gnonto’s pace and direct running genuinely one of the brief positives, along with a debut goal from striker Mateo Retegui.
It was a tough start for the Italians, but they look certain to bounce back against Malta, with Gnonto more than likely to start the game given his impressive display from the bench against the Three Lions.
At just 19, the teenager took the game by the scruff of the neck and tried to create constant pressure on the England back line as his teammates watched on.
His pace down the left is such an asset, and one that Mancini will want to utilise as much as possible in this qualifying campaign.
In other Leeds United news, Victor Orta could hit the jackpot as one Leeds-linked sensation has been named among the best wonderkids in the world.