Nicolò Zaniolo is currently remaining on holiday as an ultimatum from Udinese looms: he must join the team’s training camp or be removed from the squad. The situation stems from a disagreement following the renewal of his contract, with the club reportedly taking a firm stance against the player’s discontent.
Udinese are presenting their new season with events across the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, launching a new kit and season ticket campaign celebrating the club’s 130th anniversary. However, Zaniolo’s situation continues to dominate discussion, as the player feels betrayed by changes made to a previously agreed-upon contract. The issue is reported to be more than simply financial.
While Udinese’s general director Franco Collavino stated that “no wall has been erected” and that dialogue is ongoing, sources close to Zaniolo suggest he is in a fragile psychological state. The club, led by coach Kosta Runjaic, are not yielding, and if Zaniolo fails to appear for the training camp departure on July 22nd, he risks being excluded from the team, a fate previously suffered by other players like Iaquinta.
Diplomatic efforts, led by agent Claudio Vigorelli, are underway, but as of now, there are no concrete offers from other clubs for the Italian international. Meanwhile, Udinese are nearing the signing of Lazar Vojvoda, adding further depth to their squad. Other players, such as Keinan Davis, Maduka Okoye, and Alessandro Zanoli, have expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming season and their commitment to the club.
Okoye highlighted his return to the Nigeria national team, while Zanoli is focused on regaining full fitness after a cruciate ligament injury. The club is emphasizing its deep connection to the local community with its new slogan, “Ci siamo sempre stati” (We have always been here), and affordable season ticket options for children.
