Zaniolo talks missing Euro 2024, Fonseca to Milan and Serie A return | OneFootball

Nicolo Zaniolo opened up about how it feels to miss out on the upcoming European Championship and why Paulo Fonseca would be a good choice for Milan.

The 24-year-old Italian forward recently underwent an operation on a microfracture on his left foot, an issue that has forced him to drop out of contention for Euro 2024. His time with Aston Villa has now come to an end and he’s expected to return to Galatasaray in the summer.

Zaniolo has attracted the attention of Fiorentina ahead of the summer and seems likely to return to Serie A in the coming months, having shown a number of positives and negatives during his time away from the Italian peninsula.

Zaniolo opens up

Speaking on page four of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Zaniolo first discussed how it feels to miss out on Euro 2024.

“Morale is a bit low because I believed in it, I wanted to be there at all costs. We all know how the European Championship I missed because of the ACL injury turned out.”

He spoke about where to go from here.

“With the certainty that I will work even harder to be there at the World Cup. My goal in the national team now becomes that.”

The 24-year-old commented on the idea of returning to Serie A this summer, possibly with Fiorentina.

“I don’t know how much chance there is of me coming back to play in Italy. I read about Fiorentina’s interest, and I’m pleased, but it’s very early to know where I’ll be playing from July. The truth is that I miss Italy but today everything is possible, in Italy or abroad.”

Zaniolo discussed the idea of seeing Fonseca head to Milan.

“Fonseca for me is a great coach, a very good person, honest. On the pitch he likes offensive play, with him we always tried to attack. I got on well with him. If he goes to Milan, I’ll be happy for him. He says things to the players’ faces… and trust me, it’s not taken for granted.”

He reflected on their time together at Roma.

“Unfortunately, I experienced little of his second year because I was never there. With a ruptured ACL, I only worked to recover. However, I remember the attention to detail he had in training and the serenity he showed in a difficult team like Roma. These are not qualities that everyone has.”

Zaniolo is confident that Fonseca could do well with the Rossoneri.

“At Milan he can obviously do better, also because the team are strong. Let’s not forget that Fonseca with Roma got to the semi-finals of the Europa League by eliminating Braga, Shakhtar and Ajax.”

He confirmed that he was once close to joining Milan.

“Yes, there was definitely something and, even a year and a half later, I am pleased. It’s an honour to have been considered worthy of Milan. There were talks, even meetings, then nothing came of it. It often happens in football.”

Zaniolo gave some predictions for the upcoming European Championship.

“I see France as finalists, they are too strong. It’s incredible how many quality players have grown up in Paris in the last 10 years. For the other finalist, I’d say Italy.”

He spoke highly of Luciano Spalletti.

“Spalletti can give a lot of play, ideas, discipline…. and in a European Championship, what more do you need? Just look at how his teams have played, from Udinese to Napoli, Spalletti is a trademark.”

Zaniolo discussed some of Italy’s key players for the tournament.

“I have no doubt, Chiesa and Donnarumma are the champions. Federico has one-on-ones to create an opportunity on the right, on the left and in the middle. Donnarumma… well, you saw him three years ago, didn’t you?”

Finally, Zaniolo predicted the top scorers at the European Championship.

“I’d say Kane and Mbappé and I know, I’m not original. But I’ll tell you that I’m sure, Scamacca and Retegui will do very well.”