Zaniolo breaks silence after dropping out of Italy squad: ‘Wasn’t easy’

VENICE, ITALY - NOVEMBER 06: Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between Venezia FC and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on November 06, 2026 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Nicolo Zaniolo has taken to social media to explain that he left the Italy national team camp solely for personal reasons, and pleaded for his personal life and privacy to be respected: ‘Leaving Coverciano wasn’t easy, I will continue to work hard to earn the chance to wear the shirt again’. 

Zaniolo: ‘Leaving Italy squad wasn’t easy, strictly for personal reasons’

Roberto Mancini has selected Zaniolo for both of the squads that he has named since being reinstated as head coach of the Italy national team. However, an injury forced the Udinese midfielder out of the first camp, and he then withdrew from the November squad on Tuesday on personal grounds. 

Zaniolo, who was handed his first Italy cap by Mancini prior to his club debut with Roma, has not featured for the Azzurri in over two years. 

He has recently taken to Instagram to confirm that he left the latest Italy camp solely on personal grounds, but decided against providing any further context. 

“Leaving Coverciano wasn’t easy, but I took this decision strictly for personal reasons,” wrote Zaniolo in a story on his Instagram profile on Tuesday evening.  

“Wearing the Azzurro shirt is always a source of pride. I’d like to thank the boss, the staff and my teammates for their support. 

“I only ask that my private life is respected and that no credence be given to reconstructions of events that have nothing to do with me. 

“I hold this jersey close to my heart and I will continue to work hard every day to earn the chance to wear it again.”