Mancini must choose a new right‑winger after Zaniolo

Niccolò Zaniolo has left the Azzurri squad for unspecified personal reasons, forcing Roberto Mancini to choose between two alternatives on the right flank ahead of the Nations League against France (France) on Thursday and Belgium (Belgium) on Sunday (Sunday), after Zaniolo had been included among the 31 called up by Mancini on Thursday evening.

Mancini's alternatives on the right flank

On Monday, Zaniolo took part in the training session at Coverciano, where Italy evaluated Antonio Vergara from Napoli and Mattia Liberali from Como.

The presence of Vergara and Liberali creates the possibility that one of them could earn a starting spot when Italy faces France at the San Siro on Thursday evening.

On Tuesday (Tuesday) it was confirmed that Nicolo Zaniolo, the Udinese forward, has left the camp for personal reasons, according to ITALY sources.

Zaniolo, who plays for Udinese, had been called up by Mancini for the Nations League, but had not yet made his debut for the national team due to an injury suffered in September.

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At the moment, in November, a replacement for Zaniolo has not yet been identified.

In Monday's statement, Mancini praised Zaniolo's versatility, describing him as capable of playing as a trequartista, winger or striker.

Mancini also emphasized the importance of consistency and decision‑making ability, reminding that Zaniolo must now become a decisive element for the national team.

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The coach recalled that in 2018 the Azzurri squad relied on experienced players such as Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Marco Verratti and Jorginho, whereas today the group is thinner on experience.

A photo taken in Venice on 6 NOVEMBER 2026 shows Nicolò Zaniolo in action for Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match against Venezia FC.