During the international break, Leeds United’s Willy Gnonto faced criticism on social media after being seen on his phone during Italy’s Under-21 match. However, one coach clarified the entire situation.
Gnontowas part of the starting lineup for the European Under-21 Championship qualifier against San Marino, which the Azzurrini dominated with a 7-0 win. The former Inter Milan winger was subbed off at half-time, and during the second half, cameras caught him furiously typing on his smartphone.
Italy coach defends Leeds’ Willy Gnonto after viral moment
As a result, the incident went viral and the Leeds standout was the center of criticism, but Italy team co-ordinator Maurizio Viscidi rushed to his defense on RAI Sport.
“Willy was substituted at half-time because we were leading and he was on a yellow card, so is too important for us to risk missing him against Norway,” Viscidi said (h/t Football Italia). “In going back from the locker room to the bench, he received an alarmed message from his club asking why he had been substituted.
“He couldn’t send the message while walking, as it is a long trek to the bench, so once he got there, he wanted to reassure the club that it was not a fitness issue. Perhaps he got the timing of it wrong, but at the same time it was a gesture of respect towards his club that needed reassuring.”
The 20-year-old has made 13 appearances for the senior team but was redirected to Italy’s Under-21 side, where he’s now scored five goals and provided two assists in eight matches.
Playing well outside of Italy
Despite leaving Inter Milan in search of more first-team minutes, which resulted in him joining FC Zürich and eventually Leeds, the player has shown potential outside of Italy. Since joining The Whites in 2022, Gnonto has made 77 total appearances, scoring 14 goals and registering seven assists.
This season, Gnonto could have more opportunity to shine as Leeds need players to step up in the attack with key departures this past summer. The forward already has one goal in four matches to start this campaign.
It will be interesting to see how this incident and his move to Elland Road impact his status on the Italian national team. Nonetheless, if he’s producing goals and creating goal-scoring chances, then it will be hard to ignore his production despite him not playing in the top flight.
