Player Ratings: Estonia 1-3 Italy – Tonali runs the show as Pio Esposito bags first goal

Sandro Tonali is Football Italia’s MOTM in Italy’s 3-1 win over Estonia in the World Cup qualifiers.

Italy player ratings vs Estonia

Donnarumma 4.5 – Had barely anything to do all evening and gifted the hosts a consolation goal after a calamitous blunder, catching the ball from a cross before dropping it immediately in front of the goal.

Calafiori 7.5 – A dominant force in the air and threat in front of goal sees the defender continue his run of good form. An impressive display tonight as he grows into his new role for Gattuso’s Italy.

Bastoni 6.5 – Average night at the office for the Inter centre-back, he did his job and allowed the Azzurri dominate possession from the back.

Di Lorenzo 6.5 – Competent performance from the defender at centre-back, showing his versatility and competence in a position other than his typical right-back.

Dimarco 7.5 – Looked good on the left-flank, putting in a shift all game long and assisting Moise Kean’s opener.

Tonali 8.5 – Italy had a few strong performers tonight but the Newcastle United man was in a league of his own today. Harking back to the iconic Italian centre-mids of yore, the 25-year-old showed his class this evening.

Barella 7 – Like Tonali, Barella was good this evening. However, he played a more tame role compared to the dynamic performance of his midfield partner. (77′ Frattesi N/A)

Orsolini 7.5 – Impressive night for the Bologna man, picking up an assist and threatening in front of goal once or twice. Looked good before being replaced around the hour mark. (62′ Cambiaso 6)

Kean 7 – Hard to rate the forward, who played just 15 minutes. However, he got his name on the scoresheet before coming off with an injury. (15′ Pio Esposito 7.5)

Retegui 7.5 – Had a penalty saved but redeemed himself later in the game with a goal. The forward had a few good opportunities and showed presence in the opposition box. (77′ Cristante N/A)

Raspadori 6 – Has had better nights. Relatively quiet before being taken off just after the hour mark. (62′ Spinazzola 7)

Coach: Gattuso 7 – The coach’s tactical ideas are slowly starting to take hold. Potentially could have had a better result tonight but would’ve been more convincing if not for Donnarumma’s blunders. Decisions and substitutes were fairly good throughout and the coach will undeniably be delighted with Pio Esposito’s first goal for Italy.

Estonia Player Ratings

Estonia: Hein 6.5; Salliste 6, Kuusk 5.5, Paskotsi 5, Peetson 6.5; Palumets 5.5, Shein 6; Saarma 5.5, Soomets 5, Kait 6.5; Tamm 6