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Sandro Tonali is playing the best football of his career since returning from a 10-month ban, according to an Italian football expert.

Tonali joined Newcastle United from AC Milan last summer for PS52million but was limited to just 12 appearances before being hit with a lengthy betting ban. Tonali has started the last two Premier League matches for Newcastle but it's for the Italy national team where the midfielder has really shone since returning from suspension.

Tonali has started all four of Italy's matches since becoming eligible to play once again. He grabbed an impressive assist in a win over France last month and contributed with another assist in a 4-1 win over Israel in the Nations League on Monday.

"In my opinion, it is a version of Tonali superior to the year of the Scudetto," he told Cronache di Spogliatoio via RadioRossonera. "The one of the Parc des Princes and the one with Israel is superior to that of the last 15 of the championship in the year of the Scudetto of Milan.

"Tonali is immense for what he is doing. It is incredible, the game can last as long as he wants. He made two runs in the 90th minute with a pace frequency, a strength that is truly incredible.

"When he starts, his engine starts at 1000mph and when he turns it off it goes at a thousand the same. Maybe he still has to vent some of the anger from what he has accumulated since last year."

After making an instant impact on his Newcastle debut against Aston Villa last year with a goal, Tonali is still finding his feet at club level. Since returning from his ban, he has played more minutes at international level than he has at club level.

But having started the 1-1 draw against Manchester City and 0-0 draw at Everton, Tonali could be handed a third successive start when Newcastle return to Premier League action against Brighton & Hove Albion at St James' Park on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Given the price-tag and ban associated with Tonali, there is an expectation for the Italian to shine in Newcastle's midfield alongside the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. Head coach Eddie Howe has been able to bring out the best in the Brazilian duo in black and white, now he must do the same with Tonali.

But he can only do that by playing him regularly.

The 24-year-old has the potential to be one of the best in his position in the Premier League. But playing well internationally doesn't always translate to club level, and vice-versa.

But the signs were there against Everton of Guimaraes, Joelinton and Tonali forming a functioning midfield trio capable of dominating games. Tonali has still shown he is prone to some lapses in concentration after 10 months out, but his first-time passing ability, energy and willingness to take risks make him a midfield weapon that Newcastle must look to properly unleash in the coming weeks.