Sandro Tonali's stock in his home country is on the rise with Newcastle United finding themselves in the headlines in Italy over the weekend.

La Gazzetta dello Sport summed it up best for Tonali with a headline that read: "He came at Southampton like a train". Tonali was also accurately described as Newcastle's "leading character" and "the protagonist" after his sparkling display which earned him 10/10 in Chronicle Live's match ratings.

For Tonali, this is night and day compared to this time last year when he still had a gruelling eight months to run of his FIFA global ban after being caught up in a betting scandal. But as his country prepare for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals in March, Tonali will be the first name on the team sheet against Germany.

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This January has resulted in Tonali being strongly linked with a return to Serie A with AC Milan and Juventus reportedly in the mix. But the reality is very different, for a start it is believed that both clubs would struggle to pay his wages and the fee Newcastle would expect for the Lodi-born ace.

As Tonali hit the headlines for his first Premier League goal for Newcastle and his champagne performance, the powerful run and finish was replayed on Italian TV across the weekend. Journalist Mirko Di Natale, who covers Juventus for Tuttojuve.com told Chronicle Live from Turin: "Initially it wasn't positive (coverage and public perception on Tonali after the betting scandal), but the fans are watching him on the pitch and they are appreciating him at the moment.

"But Tonali has always been considered one of the most promising Italian midfielders. He has had some setbacks, but we are seeing how he is pushing hard both at Newcastle and with the Italian national team."

Still just 24, Tonali has 21 Azzurri caps to his name and is being spoken about as a future captain for his country. At 1-0 down against Southampton, Tonali was seen reorganising the team and ensuring the Saints did not add to their shock lead.

Mirko tells me: "He has always had a good personality on the pitch, so I wouldn't rule out that he could become the next captain of Italy."

For now, Tonali has stated he is settled on Tyneside and wants to "repay" the Geordie fans for sticking with him during a tough year. That's no surprise given Tonali's name was chanted at pretty much every away game by Newcastle diehards all the way through his FIFA ban.

His agent Giuseppe Riso, no stranger to courting attention in the Italian media, poured cold water on talk of a Tonali agent before Christmas. Riso's words were: "Sandro is not considering a return to Serie A. He's happy at Newcastle, happy to play in the best league in the world and is an idol for Newcastle fans who've always supported him."

That has not stopped Tonali from being linked with Milan and Juventus though. And the stories keep circulating from somewhere as Italian transfer experts pitch in Juventus as contenders to sign the man they missed out in 2020.

Back then Juve were pipped by Milan who struck a loan deal with a view to a permanent from Brescia. It would prove a success and Newcastle's interest would follow three years later.

Di Natale said: "I think one day he would like to return to Serie A. Juve have always appreciated Tonali's qualities, already in 2020 they had offered more than €40m to sign him.

"But there are two obstacles in the way of Juve and Milan: the price and the salary, which today is too high for an Italian club."

Newcastle's record with Italian players has been mixed down the years with Alessandro Pistone a lukewarm signing, Antonio Barreca a flop and David Santon the most successful arrival from Bel Paese. During the Entertainers era, Newcastle once tried to lure Roberto Baggio then Alessandro Del Piero under Kevin Keegan.

With Serie A at its height of fame and the Premier League brand still in its infancy, the Magpies failed. So have Newcastle finally struck what we'd call an Italian superstar.

Di Natale said: "I wish Tonali a great career, but Baggio and Del Piero are too far away to be reached."

Milan legend Franco Baresi, one of the greatest defenders to ever play the game, suggests Tonali's spiritual home will always be at the San Siro. The ex-Italy skipper said: "He left a great memory for all of us. He has a Rossoneri heart.

"I think he has already shown his attachment to the club. Sandro has the qualities and values that this club embodies, then nobody can know the future."

Right now, Tonali is building his own legacy at St James' Park. His goal looked like it meant everything to him at the weekend, and hopefully, it can be the first of many in the Premier League.