Italy's Search for a Right Winger After Zaniolo's Exit

Udinese's Nicolò Zaniolo has left the Italy national team squad for personal reasons. Following the decision, announced on Tuesday, Roberto Mancini has two main options left on the right wing.

Zaniolo was included in the 31-man squad that Mancini announced on Thursday evening. Italy will face France at San Siro in the Nations League this Thursday, and Belgium on Sunday. Zaniolo has been part of both camp squads since Mancini returned to the role, but he could not play in them because he was injured in September. As of November, no player has been called up to replace him.

Zaniolo joined training at Coverciano on Monday. In training, he was tested on the right wing as one of three options, alongside Napoli's Antonio Vergara and Como's Mattia Liberali. One of these three players could earn his first chance in the France match.

At Monday's press conference, Mancini said Zaniolo is a versatile player who can operate in every attacking position. The coach said he expects Zaniolo to show consistency in his performances and become a player who makes a difference for the national team. Mancini also recalled that in 2018 there were highly experienced players such as Giorgio, Leo, Verratti and Jorginho, while today there are few players with that kind of experience.