Nicolò Zaniolo's Future at Udinese Appears Sealed, Says Director Nani
Udinese sporting director Pierpaolo Marino, known as Nani, has indicated that Nicolò Zaniolo's future lies away from the club, according to reports from Italy. The comments were made amidst preparations for Udinese's upcoming Serie A match against Maurizio Sarri's Lazio, a fixture coach Kosta Runjaic described as a significant challenge against one of the league's form teams. While the precise destination for the Italian international remains unspecified, Nani's statement strongly suggests the 24-year-old's stint in Udine will be brief following his arrival last summer.
Zaniolo joined Udinese from Galatasaray in August 2023, with the club seeing him as a marquee signing to bolster their attacking options. His time in northern Italy, however, has been hampered by inconsistency and injury, limiting his impact on the pitch. The former Roma and Inter Milan prospect has shown only flashes of the talent that once made him one of Italy's most coveted young attackers, failing to secure a regular starting role under Runjaic.
The context of Nani's remarks points towards a likely summer departure, with Udinese seemingly ready to cut their losses and reinvest. The club's model has long been based on developing and trading players, and a sale of Zaniolo would align with that strategy, potentially providing funds for a squad rebuild. For Zaniolo, a fresh start elsewhere could be crucial to revitalizing a career that has stalled since his departure from Roma, offering a chance to rediscover the form that earned him a place in the national team setup.
This development comes as Udinese battles to secure their Serie A status, sitting perilously close to the relegation zone. Coach Runjaic confirmed several injury absences for the Lazio game, including Zaniolo, alongside the likes of Kristoffer Billemoth and Keinan Davis. He expressed confidence in his squad's ability to compete despite these setbacks, specifically mentioning the improving condition of striker Karol Borys. The impending transfer of Zaniolo, therefore, represents a significant piece of business that will shape Udinese's planning for next season, regardless of which division they occupy.
