Zaniolo reflects on Roma departure and Italy ambitions

Nicolo Zaniolo, now with Udinese, has reflected on his Roma career and the difficult manner in which it concluded. He said the spell was formative and included highlights such as the Conference League title and his first Serie A goal, while acknowledging mistakes and serious injuries changed him. Zaniolo added that he still follows Roma and hopes to return to the pitch with Udinese before pursuing a World Cup appearance with Italy.

Zaniolo’s Roma chapter began with rapid progress as a teenager, but injuries and off-field problems damaged his standing and his bond with the club eventually collapsed, sending him to Galatasaray. In a Calciomercato interview, he framed that period as deeply formative.

He recalled highs including the Conference League triumph, a Bernabéu debut and his first Serie A goal, which he associated with Sassuolo. He also cited personal ties: friends in Rome, a Roman wife and a child born there. Cruciate injuries and mistakes, he said, shaped his current focus on body care, nutrition and prevention.