Overseas journalist shares damning on-air admission on Leeds United star Willy Gnonto's future

Leeds United forward Willy Gnonto should not be playing for Italy after his recent performances, according to Giancarlo Padovan.

Speaking on Radio Napoli Centrale on 13 September (via Napoli Magazine), the journalist said the 19-year-old and Bologna winger Riccardo Orsolini "cannot be in a blue jersey" in a long on-air rant about the Italian national team setup.

It comes after the pair came off the bench for their country as they earned a narrow 2-1 victory over Ukraine on 12 September in qualifying for the European Championships in 2024.

Up for debate

It's certainly up for debate as to whether Gnonto should currently be receiving call-ups for Italy despite previously showing he has massive potential.

The forward, who was keen to secure a move away from Leeds over the summer, perhaps isn't playing at the same level as some of the players he's battling for a position with.

The journalist clearly feels he doesn't deserve a place in the Italian side, even though he has already racked up 13 caps, scoring one goal in the process.

Although he may not be pushing for a starting spot, it could be beneficial to keep the teenager around the national team setup so he can continue to learn ahead of what he hopes will be a promising future.

It's also good for the Whites if he keeps his place in the squad because that will improve their chances of keeping him in West Yorkshire in the long term.

In other Leeds United news, one player is due to be sentenced after appearing in court.