Zaniolo: ‘I’m happy at Udinese, understand Roma, have Italy dream’

Nicolò Zaniolo ‘understands’ why Roma fans are still angry, but is ‘very happy’ at Udinese and reveals his Italy World Cup dream.

The 26-year-old has flourished so far this season at the Bluenergy Stadium, contributing four goals in 10 appearances between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

He is on loan from Galatasaray with an option to buy at the end of the season for €10m, having already had loan spells with Aston Villa, Atalanta and Fiorentina.

“I am very pleased with how the season is going,” Zaniolo told Sky Sport Italia.

“We lost the most recent match against Roma, but we were unlucky after a good first half. We hope to continue like this.”

Zaniolo still has baggage with Roma fans

The former Roma player was jeered and insulted relentlessly during the match at the Stadio Olimpico, both for his past there, but above all because the last time he visited and scored with Atalanta, his wild celebrations irritated the fans.

“I understand them, considering the way we separated and the celebration at the Olimpico with Atalanta. I apologise to them again for that celebration, but we have to move on. Roma are a very strong squad and I think they can fight to the end for the Scudetto.”

As for Zaniolo, his career stalled after that departure from Roma to Galatasaray in February 2023 and he hopes Udinese is finally the club where he can live up to those early expectations.

“I am very happy here, because the fans stop me in the street and show their enthusiasm. I also get along well with the coach, Mister Runjaic has a rapport of friendship with all of us. We are like a family. We speak English more than Italian, but I do manage to understand him well.”

Italy are preparing for their final 2026 World Cup qualifiers ahead of the play-offs, and even amid an injury crisis, Zaniolo did not get a call from coach Gennaro Gattuso.

“I did hope for a call, it would be a dream for me to play in the World Cup next summer. I clearly need to do better and show even more of what I am capable of.

“The Nazionale has some great forwards and there is a lot of competition, so I’ll just keep working. I know this team, we have what it takes to reach the World Cup, and we will do it.”