Born in Tuscany, Zaniolo came through Fiorentina's youth system before being released and then picked up by Inter Milan in 2017. It was after moving south to AS Roma in 2018, however, that the attacking midfielder had his big breakthrough. He went on to make almost 100 league appearances for the Romans before being sold to Galatasaray in 2023.
The move to Istanbul never quite clicked, though, and Zaniolo has since spent loan spells at Aston Villa, Atalanta, Fiorentina and now Udinese, where he will remain until season's end. After a few stop-start seasons, the spell in Udine has been Zaniolo's most productive in years, and he already has five Serie A goals to his name in 2025/26.
In what follows, Zaniolo explains why the move to Udinese has been so beneficial for him and what goals he has going forward, including his ambitions to represent Italy once again.
Nicolo, welcome. Thank you for your time. First things first, you've already played in Rome, Istanbul, and now in Udine. What is the difference? Because obviously, these cities are megalopolises with a buzz and everything, and Udine is small and calm. So, how do you cope with that change?
"Well, yeah, you are right. In my career, I visited and played for so many big teams in so many big cities. But I think Udine, at this time, is the right place for me to show my best. To improve as a man, as a person, and as a player.
"Since I arrived here, I feel this is my place. Because I was born in a small city like Udine, La Spezia. My habitat is actually this; it is natural for me. To live in a small city without any distractions and only focus on playing football."
So, there were, for a couple of years, stories about you coming from the fact that you were playing in really big cities and at big clubs. Is the possibility of focusing purely on football what's best for you right now?
"Yeah, you described it well. I think every player, in every part of the game, has to stay focused because football is not only about the pitch. I think it is 70% about your life outside of the pitch. Staying calm with family, with friends, with the right people.
"In Udine, I discovered this. I'm very happy to stay here and play for Udinese. It is a big club, a solid club in Italy. I couldn't have made a better choice than to come here."
Do you see this loan move as a kind of homecoming? Do you feel like you are playing with a point to prove to Italian fans that you can still be at the top level right now? Because you were seen as a protege of Italian football, a wonderkid, but the last couple of years weren't going along the right path. Are you making some kind of a comeback now?
"Yeah, I feel it that way. I think in a football player's career, there are highs and lows. In my past, I had two very big injuries in my knee. It was a little bit hard because when you break the first knee, it’s the first time. When you break the second, it’s strange and difficult.
"In that, I discovered the real people around me who stayed with me and helped me outside and inside the pitch. Now I'm playing well, and I'm coming back to my level. I want to continue like this. It is the right path."
How do you respond to critics who say you haven't yet reached your ceiling but don't consider the fact that you are coming back from major injuries?
"Every player has a little pressure. When you play football, you have pressure every match to stay focused and play well. It’s difficult to show your full potential every Sunday. But now I understand the important thing is to stay focused, to keep your dream and your objective in your mind. I'm in a good way, and I don't want to stop."
What is the most misunderstood thing about Nicolo Zaniolo so far? It seems that you have attracted media stories throughout your whole career. Is there something you would like the public to see differently?
"Well, I think in my life I have made mistakes, and I recognise this. But the mistakes are in the past. Now there is a future and a present to live. I want to continue to show my quality and have a good relationship with everyone. I feel like much more of a man now.
"In the past, I was a little bit immature and easily distracted. Now I have two children, a wife, and a family. I evolved. It’s a responsibility. I can’t make mistakes for my family or for me. Not anymore."
Have you ever thought that with former clubs, especially AS Roma, there were some misconceptions between you and the club? Looking back, do you feel the clubs created a kind of false image about you?
"No, I don't think that. I think the past is the past. I love Roma so much because my wife is from Roma, my first kid is from Roma, and I love the city. They gave me a lot of love. In life, every story has an end. I don't have regrets.
"I hope that in the future things will be better. I want to live in Rome in the future because my wife wants to live there. I have nothing against the club or the fans. I will always support them."
Do you see yourself going back to the club one day?
"Well, in football, we never know what happens, but now I'm focused on Udinese. I'm focused on reaching my dream and our dream."
What is your ultimate goal right now?
"Right now, it is to continue like this, to play well, to help and support the team, and to follow the coach and the president who work for this fantastic club. Also, my big dream is to play the World Cup with Italy. This is one of my best goals and dreams."
Have there been any conversations with Gennaro Gattuso, the Italy coach?
"Not until now, but I know he follows everyone. The World Cup is very important for every country and every player. It’s important to qualify. In March, we have two very important matches. I know if I play well, maybe the call can come. I believe in it. I haven't spoken with him, but I know he follows us every Sunday."
One last thing. I noticed during the game against Fiorentina - congratulations on the 3-0 win, by the way - you played as a kind of second striker with a lot of freedom. This was a different position for you than at previous clubs. Is this role the best for you?
"Yeah, I think it’s a position where I can show my ability. I’m a player who likes freedom, to have the ball, to help the team, to run, to defend, and to attack. Having the space to drive the ball with the goal in front of me is one of my best abilities. The coach understands this, and I'm very happy to play for him and for the team."
Nicolo, thank you.
"Thank you."