Italy international Nicolo Zaniolo faces a spell on the sidelines after Udinese confirmed he sustained a hamstring injury while on national team duty. The attacking midfielder is expected to be out for three to four weeks as he undergoes rehabilitation.
Injury Details and Recovery
The injury, diagnosed as a lesion to the biceps femoris in his right thigh, occurred during the recent international break. Zaniolo had left Roberto Mancini’s Italy camp earlier in the break due to a muscular problem. Initial hopes suggested it might be a simple strain, potentially allowing for a quicker return to play. However, subsequent tests ruled out that possibility, confirming a more significant injury.
Udinese, Zaniolo’s club, issued a statement confirming the diagnosis and outlining his recovery timeline. He has since begun his rehabilitation process in Udine, focusing on returning to full fitness within the projected timeframe.
Impact on International Ambitions
The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate for Zaniolo, who had recently started to re-establish himself in Roberto Mancini’s plans for the Italian national team. Mancini, who first called up Zaniolo in 2018, reportedly holds the player in high regard. Football pundits, including Andrea Stramaccioni, have also highlighted Zaniolo as a talent capable of making a significant impact for Italy.
Zaniolo currently has 19 caps for Italy; his most recent appearance was on 24 March 2024, during a 2-0 friendly match against Ecuador held in Harrison, New Jersey. This injury means his wait for a 20th cap will now be extended, disrupting his momentum with the Azzurri.