Eddie Howe on Sandro Tonali’s display in Newcastle’s draw with Milan

SANDRO TONALI experienced an emotional night at the San Siro – but while the Newcastle United midfielder was unable to make a telling attacking impact against his former employers, Eddie Howe was still more than satisfied with his performance.

Tonali lined up against AC Milan for the first time since leaving the club in a £53m move to Tyneside as Newcastle kicked off their Champions League campaign with a goalless draw.

The Italy international, who was a boyhood AC Milan fan, was cheered when his name was announced prior to kick-off, and received an even more rapturous reception from the AC Milan when he was substituted in the second half.

He is still finding his way in the Newcastle side, but Howe thought he handled what could have been an extremely difficult occasion very well.

“I thought Sandro did well,” said the Magpies boss. “Obviously, it was an emotional occasion for him. How he felt before the game was unique to him.

“I don’t think anyone could have described how he would have felt going into the game, but he was part of a good defensive display from us in the first half.

“He can be very pleased and very proud. He represented himself very well and I know there’s more to come from him. Of course, we had to manage him with his recent injury towards the end of the game.”

Howe was also keen to praise Newcastle skipper Kieran Trippier, who played a major role in the setting the tone for his side’s disciplined defensive display.

“Kieran is a vital part of our defence,” he said. “He did very well against a very dangerous opponent. He used his vast experience. I thought that was a real highlight in our back four.

“His experience and his communication are always strong, but it needed to be even more so tonight. I thought all the back four did really well.”

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli was satisfied with his side’s general performance, but admitted they lacked the clinical edge required to take full advantage of the chances they were creating.

“We knew our opponents very well,” said Pioli. “Usually, they are aggressive with all the five players playing very offensively with three strikers and two half-wings. We avoided pressure from them and we had the ball possession.

“We were expecting them to take the chance of getting in some spaces, but it’s clear to everybody that we played the game as we wanted to. We wanted to win and when you play like that – much better than a very strong opponent – you can be satisfied. Unfortunately, we didn’t come through as we wanted, which was winning.”