Italy boss defends Gnonto for message to Leeds during U21 match | OneFootball

Willy Gnonto was criticised on social media when he was spotted on his phone during the Italy Under-21 match, but it’s revealed he was ‘reassuring Leeds United.’

He had been in the starting XI for the European Under-21 Championship qualifier against San Marino, which the Azzurrini went on to win 7-0.

The former Inter winger was substituted at half-time and during the second half he was caught on camera typing furiously into his smartphone.

Fans thought he was not taking the official match seriously and should be excluded from the squad.

Gnonto on phone during U21 game

Italy team co-ordinator Maurizio Viscidi rushed to his defence 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.

“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.”

Gnonto turns 21 in November and had already amassed 13 senior caps under Roberto Mancini, but the move to Leeds United in September 2022 saw him slide down the pecking order.

He was re-routed to the Italy Under-21 side, where he has now scored five goals in eight caps, along with two assists.