Roma are set to wield another blow to Nicolò Zaniolo’s career by removing him from their squad for the Europa League knockout stages.
The Italy international sparked the controversy by putting in a transfer request, then asking not to be called up for the final few games in January.
He rejected the only offer that met Roma’s conditions, which was from Premier League side Bournemouth, and was therefore frozen out.
Zaniolo wrote an open letter urging the Giallorossi to reconcile, but it has not gone down well and it seems as if the situation is now beyond repair.
According to multiple reports including Sky Sport Italia, the club intends to leave Zaniolo off their squad list for the Europa League knockout stages.
He had scored the winning goal in the Conference League Final last season and this term had contributed one goal and three assists in three Europa League fixtures.
However, he is set to be cut from the squad for the play-off against RB Salzburg, with the first leg in Austria on February 16 and the return at the Olimpico on February 23.
On the other hand, it is reported that Rick Karsdorp will return to the group after resolving his differences with Jose Mourinho, which had sparked his exclusion in November.