Spalletti explains why Zaniolo is a better fit for Italy than Chiesa | OneFootball

Luciano Spalletti feels Nicolò Zaniolo has the ‘potential’ to play for Italy national team as he can cover more roles, but the Azzurri have ‘lost sight’ of ‘important’ players like Riccardo Orsolini, Matteo Politano and Federico Chiesa.

Spalletti released an interview with Sky Sport Italia during the Gran Galà del Calcio event on Monday.

The CT spoke right after Atalanta’s 2-0 win at Roma, in which ex-Giallorossi striker Nicolò Zaniolo scored a goal as a substitute.

Sky Sport journalists asked Spalletti if the ex-Aston Villa man could return to the national team in the coming months.

“To me, other things must be considered aside from the goals,” Spalletti replied.

“What makes the difference is what a player shows during games; the behaviour with the teammates, the opponents and the referees. Zaniolo has great potential. I’ve brought him to the team until recent matches. He can play as a winger or a support striker. He can play in the middle as well because, with his physicality, he can play with the back to the goal. Physicality is a key quality for competing in Europe. As we saw in the last game against France, we suffered a bit from their physicality.”

epa11753858 Nicolo Zaniolo of Atalanta (C) scores the 0-2 goal during the Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC, in Rome, Italy, 02 December 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MEO

Spalletti switched to a three-man defence after the Euros, playing with just one centre forward and several players in central midfield.

The Azzurri usually adopt a 3-5-1-1 system or 3-4-2-1 formation, and Spalletti feels Zaniolo can fit in the team.

“We have decided to fill the midfield with many players and leave the space to wingers on the flanks, so those who play behind a striker must know how to play in the middle,” he said.

Spalletti explains why Zaniolo is a better fit for Italy than Chiesa

“We’ve lost sight of important players like Orsolini, Politano, and Chiesa, who play more on the wings, even if Chiesa is always monitored if he plays. However, the solution we’ve been looking for with this national team is footballers who can support a centre forward from the middle. If Zaniolo can play there, he gives us one more option.”

Zaniolo, 25, joined Atalanta on loan with an option to buy from Galatasaray last summer.

He has 19 appearances with Italy’s national team, including six under Spalletti. The ex-Roma striker hasn’t played for the Azzurri since March 2024.