Italy new boy Zoma on Klose influence and ‘not closing doors’ on Premier League or Serie A

NUREMBERG, GERMANY - AUGUST 09: Mohamed Ali Zoma of Nürnberg looks on during the 2. Bundesliga 2026/27 match between 1. FC Nürnberg and SG Dynamo Dresden at Max-Morlock-Stadion on August 09, 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Mohamed Ali Zoma admits Miroslav Klose was key to his move to Nürnberg, and he isn’t ruling out a future in either Serie A or the Premier League.

With quotes via Tuttomercatoweb, the 22-year-old striker spoke to Sky Sport after making his Italy debut off the bench during the international break.

“It was a really strong emotion. I was born in Italy, I feel 100 per cent Italian and ever since I was little I’ve watched that shirt on TV.”

Roberto Mancini had been tracking him for some time.

“A while ago he told me he was watching me and that I had to keep pushing on the pitch. I did that, and then he called me up. I honestly wasn’t expecting it, but I’m very happy it came. I enjoyed the experience.”

Zoma joined Nürnberg from Serie C side AlbinoLeffe in the summer of 2025, and the former Lazio striker Klose played a big part in that decision.

“A lot. I’d spoken to him before coming here and it influenced my choice. Since he speaks Italian, he helped me enormously both on and off the pitch. And I’ve improved thanks to him.”

He has scored six goals in seven games this season in the 2. Bundesliga. West Ham reportedly had a bid of around €20m rejected at the end of the summer window, and Kicker suggests a fee above €30m in January is not out of the question.

“I’m not closing the door to anyone. I’m ready and focused, let’s see what the future has in store for me.”

Zoma was also reunited with his former AlbinoLeffe teammate Issa Doumbia in the Italy squad.

“We always aimed for the highest level and gave everything. Our paths then separated, but we always kept in touch. It was great to meet up again with the national team.”

And asked to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, he didn’t hesitate.

“Ronaldo, honestly. For me he’s a source of inspiration, a worker. He wasn’t born that way like Messi was, he had to build himself.”