Daniel Lewis

Fri 17 November 2023 9:10, UK

Leeds United ace Wilfried Gnonto earned widespread praise for his performance as Italy Under-21s eased to a 7-0 win over their San Marino counterparts.

Gnonto, who dropped down from the senior side, scored twice in the one-sided Euro U21 qualifier at San Marino Stadium on Thursday (16 November).

Italian news outlets have reacted to the 20-year-old’s display, with Tuttomercato stating he was “among the most inspired in the blue shirt” and a “great protagonist” as the Azzurri ran wild.

OA Calcio, meanwhile, labelled Gnonto “the best on the pitch without a doubt” in a “performance worth remembering” for the youngster.

The online edition of Gazzetta dello Sport hailed Gnonto for “taking care” of business with his goal in the 30th minute to double the visiting side’s lead.

Morale-boosting display

Gnonto would perhaps have been disappointed to have dropped down to the U21s, but that is the reality he must face after losing his place in the Leeds side.

Fair play to the former FC Zurich star, though, because he clearly knuckled down and was – as these reports suggest – the best player on the field against San Marino.

Okay, the opponents were hardly the most fearsome, but Gnonto did what was asked of him in a display that will give him plenty of confidence.

There remains plenty of speculation regarding Gnonto’s future at Elland Road – and Leeds may not be as desperate as they were in the summer to retain him if a big offer is tabled – but all he can do is continue doing his talking on the field.

As this performance against San Marino goes a long way to showing, Gnonto still has plenty more to give in a Leeds shirt.

In other Leeds United news, another Whites player has earned recognition on the international stage with a promotion this week.