The 'wild' Sandro Tonali message that Eddie Howe must pay very close attention to ahead of Newcastle return

Eddie Howe has been warned over Sandro Tonali after the Italy international sent a message to his AC Milan team-mates ahead of their trip to Newcastle

Tonali was named man of the match as AC Milan booked their place in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday with a 2-0 win against Lazio

Sandro Tonali has warned Eddie Howe that he will be looking to make a big impression when AC Milan travel to Newcastle next month.

The Italy international was in impressive form as AC Milan booked their place in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday with a 2-0 win against Lazio.

And after the game, Tonali sent a message to his AC Milan team-mates, saying: "We have to go to Newcastle and show them what we are all about.

“We are AC Milan and we are one of the best teams in Europe. We have to go there and win.”

Tonali's message is a clear warning to Howe, who will be aware of the threat that the Italian midfielder poses.

Tonali is a key player for AC Milan and has been in excellent form this season, making 24 appearances in all competitions and scoring one goal.

The 22-year-old is a combative midfielder who is excellent at winning the ball back and breaking up play.

He is also a good passer of the ball and can create chances for his team-mates.

Howe will need to come up with a plan to stop Tonali when Newcastle host AC Milan in the first leg of their last-16 tie on February 16.

If they can do that, they will give themselves a good chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.