Nicolò Zaniolo is not expected to play for Roma again this season, affecting his Italy career, while Jorginho’s Azzurri status could remain unaltered following his move to Arsenal.

The January transfer window didn’t bring much news for Italy boss Roberto Mancini. Luca Pellegrini returned to Serie A, joining Lazio on loan, Nicolò Barella was linked with a summer move to Chelsea, but the biggest news for Mancio came from Rome and London.

Nicolò Zaniolo asked to leave the Giallorossi with 18 months left in his contract but eventually remained at the Stadio Olimpico after snubbing a move to Premier League side Bournemouth. He has now been frozen out of the team and is not expected to play for Roma again.

This brings even more problems for Mancini who already has little options in attack and will likely be forced to drop Zaniolo for the Nations League Final Four and the opening games of the Euro 2024 qualifiers, including the first one against England in March.

It appears unlikely that Mancini will call Zaniolo for the next games of the national team if the 24-year-old won’t feature for Roma, especially after the Italy coach warned the striker less than a week ago saying that he should have made himself available for his club, making the most of his talent.

The other big change comes from London where Jorginho has moved from one side of the city to another, joining Arsenal from Chelsea with just six months left in his contract at Stamford Bridge.

On paper, Jorginho won’t be a regular starter at the Emirates Stadium as Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are playing a key role under Mikel Arteta this season.

However, the Spanish tactician is a long-time admirer of the Italy international and had been pushing to sign him even before the 2023 January transfer window.

Jorginho played 18 games across all competitions for Chelsea in the first part of the season, collecting 1760 minutes. It remains to be seen whether he will achieve the same in North London, but the ex-Napoli midfielder has remained in the most competitive league in Europe, joining the table leaders.

Despite being in his 30s, he could even further develop under a young and innovative coach like Arteta which is why his status with the Azzurri may not change even if he will get less playing time than at Stamford Bridge.

Jorginho made his Italy debut in 2016 and has scored five goals in 46 appearances with the Azzurri.

@lorebetto

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