When Roberto Mancini decided to call up Wilfried Gnonto when the now Leeds United player was still at FC Zürich, everyone was surprised.
The young forward had impressed in Switzerland, but to call him up to the national first-team was a big step, which he took in his stride, and impressed immediately.
This translated into a good season with Leeds United after his transfer to Elland Road, but the transfer drama over the past few months appears to have taken its toll on the youngster, who hasn’t quite seemed the same of late, as pointed out by Gazzetta dello Sport.
The 19-year-old came on for Italy under Luciano Spalletti in the game against Ukraine, despite some claiming that he didn’t deserve to wear his country’s shirt at this moment in time, but his performance wasn’t quite up to scratch.
Gazzetta gave him a 5.5/10 for his display, which is the same as Federico Dimarco’s, who was labelled ‘the worst’, and point out he ‘isn’t the one unexpectedly called up by Mancini over a year ago’.
They felt the Leeds player was ‘more timid’ than usual, and failed to take on players, suggesting he might not be ‘in great condition’, at least physically.
Not only that, but they add that he also squandered a chance to make it 3-1, taking too long to get his shot off, which would have made the scoreline a bit more comfortable for those around him.
