Italy international Zaniolo at risk of being frozen out by Udinese
Quick summary
Nicolò Zaniolo is reportedly at risk of being frozen out by Udinese, with the Italian forward's role at the club under threat.
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Attributed to original sourceNicolò Zaniolo remains on holiday and is not training with Udinese due to a contract dispute, but he’ll be frozen out if he fails to return before July 22, Gazzetta reports.
More trouble for Italy international Zaniolo who might be frozen out by Udinese if he continues to miss training.
Zaniolo: Italy striker’s future at Udinese uncertain
According to Gazzetta, Zaniolo is still on holiday in Forte Dei Marmi, Tuscany, and is unwilling to resume training with the rest of the team.
Multiple sources previously reported that Zaniolo had reached an agreement for a new contract at Udinese after his loan move from Galatasaray was made permanent at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Nicolo’ Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio interacts with Hassane Kamara of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) However, the new contract was never signed and Zaniolo is said to be unhappy with some of its terms, so he refused to join his teammates for pre-season training on July 6, providing a medical certificate.
Udinese will start the second-part of their pre-season in Lienz on July 22 and according to Gazzetta, Zaniolo will be frozen out if he fails to return by that date.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Nicolo Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio is put under pressure by Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “There is an ongoing dialogue, we are continuing to negotiate, hoping that a solution will be reached,” said Udinese CEO Franco Collavino.
Zaniolo has reportedly been offered to several clubs, including Milan, but has received no formal offers yet.
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What happened
Nicolò Zaniolo, the Italy international, faces the prospect of being frozen out at Udinese. The former Roma and Galatasaray attacker has struggled for prominence, and reports suggest the club may look to move him on or limit his involvement. This development marks another turbulent chapter in Zaniolo's career since his high-profile move away from Roma.
Chance analysis
Zaniolo's potential marginalization at Udinese reduces his playing time and visibility, which could affect his standing in the Italy national team setup. For Udinese, the decision may signal a tactical shift or a desire to recoup value on a player who hasn't delivered as expected. This is a squad-management story with moderate implications for both club and player market value.
Zaniolo is likely to see reduced minutes and influence at Udinese, diminishing his short-term fantasy and betting value while raising questions about his club future.
Zaniolo's reduced role at Udinese lowers his match impact and minutes projection, potentially making him a less reliable fantasy or betting pick.