Cellino hails 'half-alien' Tonali

By Football Italia staff

Brescia owner Massimo Cellino has showered praise on Italy starlet Sandro Tonali, who is ‘cold-blooded like a killer and half-alien.’

Tonali helped Brescia win promotion to Serie A, and inevitably there has been speculation over whether the Rondinelle will cash in on the teenage midfielder while his stock is high.

“We know well that Italian football is difficult for everyone,” Cellino told Radio Anch’io Sport.

“When I was at Cagliari, we saved ourselves every year. We’ll try to equip ourselves.

“Italian football is at a low level right now. There are so many problems, too much with the FIGC and stadia.

“Here at Brescia, I settled quickly. Italian football must know how to do that. I’ve been doing it for 30 years, I know how to do it and I try to do it well. Not everyone has the experience I have.

“We’re focusing on quality. Nowadays it’s difficult to do that. We’ll see about Tonali, but he can’t be compared to anyone else.

“He’s a complete player. He knows how to attack and defend. He’s cold-blooded like a killer, but he plays like a veteran.

“He’s been a pleasant surprise. I’ve seen so many good players over the years, but he’s half-alien.

“Corini’s certainly confirmed for next season, unless he tells me he wants to leave.”

The former Leeds United patron was then asked about a possible return to Cagliari and Palermo’s problems off the field.

"I’ll have to go back one day. I still have a home but in Sardinia but, honestly, I only go back a little,” he admitted.

“What happened to Palermo is a shame. Things are resolved first on the field and then elsewhere.

“I’m embittered because I’ve always liked them as a team.”

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