It’s clear that something has changed between Jose Mourinho and Nicolo Zaniolo, suggesting trouble in the Italian capital.
Mourinho was prepared for questions about the Italian forward in yesterday’s press conference and he’d already written a piece of paper saying ‘Zaniolo, second question,’ aware that it would be a hot topic. What wasn’t written on the paper, however, was an explanation of what’s happened between them.
In the last two weeks, Zaniolo has experienced boos at the Stadio Olimpico in the match against Vitesse, exclusion from the Derby della Capitale and then having to watch Italy fail to qualify for the World Cup from the stands.
Mourinho was clearly frustrated when talking about Zaniolo, saying “Nicolò came back from the national team on Thursday with a flexor problem and didn’t train. He says he’s not available and there’s no story. If you want to know more, call his entourage, hoping they tell you the truth.”
Reading between the lines, it’s obvious that Mourinho has a lack of trust in Zaniolo’s entourage and he deliberately phrased things to imply that the Italian youngster is the first to rule himself out of matches.
Reports now suggest that Zaniolo will start in the match against Bodo/Glimt next week but this seems confusing. Back in November, the 22-year-old Italian was spared from the match because the Norwegian team’s synthetic pitch could prove problematic due to his knee surgery. Considering that the pitch hasn’t changed, it’s strange that he’s suddenly able to play.
Roma are not planning to renew Zaniolo’s contract, which expires in 2024, at this time and Juventus are prepared to make a move for him in the summer, although they have no intention of paying the €70m requested by the Giallorossi.
Mourinho e Zaniolo non si amano più: alla Roma qualcosa è cambiato [di Matteo Pinci] https://t.co/ktKYGcLB8Z
— Repubblica (@repubblica) April 3, 2022
Another wasted talent
€70m for him is just plain stupid
Looks like a bust. It appears he needs to shed the attitude and people/influencers around him.
he is playing (and acting) himself out of a transfer to his liking
He has had so many chances to show that he deserves to play. Mancini has said the same thing as Mou, Zaniolo must learn to play in a team. 70 million would be a fantastic deal for Roma.