The Italy midfielder, who left Serie A in 2023 and joined Tottenham this summer, addressed his club form and the situation surrounding the national team before Italy’s Nations League meeting with Türkiye.
“Football today is difficult, I am experiencing it first-hand at Tottenham, with many new players,” Tonali said.
“We are coming from a difficult period after failing to qualify for the World Cup and we are not in our best moment. But we have to be positive.”
Tonali also called for greater protection of Italy’s younger players, arguing that the pressure surrounding the national team can be difficult for inexperienced footballers to handle.
“And above all, lighten the burden on the less experienced players because wearing this shirt isn't easy,” he said.
“It's better that the blame is given to us more experienced players. Blame me, perhaps, because young players have to gain experience and must be left alone to grow.”
“They suffer from negative situations because they read and listen more than we do. I know from experience: at 19 you aren't used to so much pressure.”
Tonali said the more experienced members of the squad would help their younger team-mates through the difficult period.
“As for us, we will try to help them mature,” he said.
His own situation at Tottenham has also been the subject of scrutiny, but Tonali insisted that the current spell should not be viewed entirely negatively.
“Football is very strange. In 10 days everything can change from negative to positive,” he said.
“At Tottenham, the moment is negative because of the results but positive because of the football we are playing. We play well, we create chances, then if you don't score in football, you lose.”
“But we are not underground. We are alive, positive.”
Tonali also said he was now physically ready to contribute after resolving the problem that had been troubling him.
“Physically I am now 100%, I have solved the problem I had. I am ready to do my part,” he said.
“I don't care if I play as a mezzala or a deep-lying midfielder, because the roles can be different depending on the matches.”
Tonali also offered his assessment of the changing approach to refereeing in Serie A, despite having left Italy two years ago.
“Now the matches are more entertaining because fewer fouls are being called and there are fewer stoppages and dead periods,” he said.
“It is super positive for football because before very little was being played. It will take time to increase the rhythm consistently, but the path is right.”