Wilfried Gnonto’s actions during Italy’s Under-21s match against San Marino on Thursday, 5 September, caused a stir as the young Leeds United winger was seen on his phone shortly after being substituted at half-time.
The 20-year-old was responding to a text message from his club, who expressed concern over his condition following a tough challenge that left him in visible discomfort during the first half of Italy’s 7-0 victory.
Gnonto had been on the receiving end of a hard tackle, and although he continued playing, the Italian coaching staff decided to take no risks, replacing him at the break. Leeds United, however, were quick to reach out, worried about a potential injury to one of their key players. With the club vying for promotion back to the Premier League, Gnonto’s health is paramount, especially after the recent departures of other attacking talents like Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter.
While Gnonto’s decision to check his phone during the match caused a wave of criticism, Italy Under-21s team coordinator Maurizio Viscidi was quick to defend the player. In an interview with Raisport, quoted by Tutto Mercato Web on 7 September, Viscidi explained the situation, shedding light on Gnonto’s actions.
“Willy was substituted at half-time because we were ahead, and he was cautioned. He is too important for the match against Norway, so we didn’t want to risk a second yellow,” Viscidi explained. “On his way back from the locker room to the pitch, he received a message from his alarmed club wondering why he had been substituted in such a game. He certainly couldn’t respond while walking from the locker room to the bench, so once he sat down, he took a moment to reassure Leeds that the substitution was tactical and precautionary. Perhaps the timing wasn’t ideal, but it was an act of respect to let his club know he wasn’t injured.”
Leeds United’s Concerns for Gnonto
Leeds United’s concern over Gnonto’s condition is understandable. With the club rebuilding under Daniel Farke and looking to bounce back to the Premier League, every key player counts. Gnonto, who emerged as one of Leeds’ most promising young talents last season, is central to their attack this campaign. His pace, dribbling, and ability to create chances have made him a vital asset, especially after the squad lost several important attacking players.
The club is aware that any long-term injury to Gnonto could derail their promotion hopes, which is why they were so quick to reach out during the international break. Their swift action, while perhaps not typical during a match, shows just how integral Gnonto is to their plans. With the Championship season long and gruelling, keeping their best players healthy is a top priority for Leeds.
Gnonto has already made an impact in the new season, scoring in Leeds’ dramatic 3-3 draw against Portsmouth on the opening day. His ability to contribute goals and assists will be crucial if Leeds are to challenge for promotion. Losing him for any extended period would leave a significant hole in their attack, with fewer options to fill the void after the sales of Summerville and Rutter.
The Pressure on Young Players
At just 20 years old, Gnonto is still learning how to navigate the pressures of professional football. Mistakes are bound to happen, and being caught on his phone during a match, while not ideal, should be seen in context. It’s easy to forget how young these players are and how much responsibility is placed on their shoulders. In this case, Gnonto was simply trying to communicate with his club, and while it might not have been the right moment, it shows his professionalism in wanting to keep Leeds informed.
Viscidi’s defense of Gnonto highlights the importance of protecting young players from undue criticism. The Italy Under-21s official made it clear that Gnonto had no malicious intent and was simply responding to a concerned club. “The timing may have been wrong, perhaps yes, but at the same time it is an act of respect for the club to reassure them,” Viscidi said. This perspective is vital in understanding the situation and cutting Gnonto some slack for a misstep that, ultimately, had little consequence on the game.
Leeds United’s Reaction
Leeds United, for their part, will likely be understanding of Gnonto’s situation. While the optics of the incident may not have been ideal, the club’s immediate concern was the player’s well-being. With their focus on the bigger picture — securing promotion back to the Premier League — they will be relieved that Gnonto’s substitution was merely precautionary and not due to a serious injury.
For Leeds fans, the incident is a reminder of just how important Gnonto is to the team’s success this season. His ability to turn games on their head with moments of brilliance makes him one of the most exciting prospects in the Championship. As long as he stays fit, he’ll be a crucial figure in their bid to return to the top flight.
Looking Ahead
Gnonto’s rapid rise at Leeds and his contributions to Italy’s youth setup have drawn attention from across Europe, but for now, he remains a key piece in Leeds’ promotion puzzle. The club will be hoping that their decision to check in with him during the match was unnecessary and that he returns from the international break fully fit and ready to play.
The young winger will also need to learn from this experience, understanding that his actions on the bench are closely watched and can be easily misconstrued. However, his response to Leeds’ text message should not be seen as a major misstep, but rather a reflection of the modern-day realities of football, where players are constantly in communication with their clubs.
As Leeds United press on with their Championship campaign, they will be hoping that Gnonto’s performances on the pitch do all the talking from now on. The club’s promotion hopes rest heavily on his shoulders, and as long as he continues to deliver, the occasional off-field distraction can be easily forgiven.
