Prior to his move to Leeds United, Wilfried Gnonto had Roberto Mancini to thank for putting him on the European map.
The young forward was plucked from FC Zürich and given a chance in Italy’s national team by the former Manchester City manager, where he impressed and caught the eye of many with his performances.
Leeds had him on their radar, and were planning on signing him this summer, but Andrea Radrizzani made it clear in a recent interview that issues on the transfer market forced their hand to bring the player in earlier than expected.
It’s worked out for them, though, as Gnonto has impressed since he has been given a serious run in the team, whether it be under Jesse Marsch, Michael Skubala or Javi Gracia, having scored four goals and picked up an assist in 16 games.
For Roberto Mancini, with the international break right around the corner, the 19-year-old could be his only serious option to lead the line for Italy, as he revealed in an interview with Il Mattino on Wednesday.
Asked if he had some problems up front, he said: “Some?! The problems up top are serious. Immobile is out, Raspadori maybe too. We have some big questions. Almost all centre forwards have played very few minutes in recent months. We don’t have one who has played in the starting lineup.
“Perhaps only Gnonto has played a little more in Leeds and can be a centre-forward, but for the rest, we’re in bad shape: Scamacca is back from an injury. Ciro was hurt, Belotti doesn’t play much.”
