Zaniolo encouraged by Gattuso's transparency amid Italy call-up hopes
Quick summary
Nicolò Zaniolo's agent appreciates Gennaro Gattuso's transparency regarding the player's exclusion from Italy's World Cup play-off squad, despite Zaniolo's ten-goal contributions for Udinese this season.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceNicolò Zaniolo’s Claudio Vigorelli admits his client hoped for an Italy call-up, but ‘appreciates the transparency and the words of Gennaro Gattuso.’
Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here Udinese ‘ideal’ for Zaniolo
Zaniolo’s ten-goal contributions for Udinese (five goals and five assists) in 26 Serie A games this season have not been enough to earn a spot in the Azzurri squad for the World Cup play-off.
“We’ve always been convinced that Udine would be an ideal place to help him revive his career,” his agent Vigorelli told Gazzettino del Friuli via TMW.
“The context has granted the utmost stability and tranquillity, and that has been the result of collaboration between director Nanni and President Pozzo on a matter that was not simple. It’s no coincidence that we reached an agreement on the very final day. Nicolò strongly wanted this move, and he was right.”
Italy coach Gattuso has admitted that Zaniolo deserved an Italy call-up, but ultimately chose to rely on the team’s established core.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Nicolo Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio at on October 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) “It’s useless to deny that he hoped for it [a call-up]; the national team is an objective for all footballers,” concluded Vigorelli.
“We’ve accepted it, but it doesn’t mean he won’t get a call-up sooner or later. We appreciate the transparency and the words of Gattuso; in the future, we’ll see.”
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What happened
Nicolò Zaniolo has contributed 10 goals (5 goals, 5 assists) in 26 Serie A matches for Udinese this season, but was not selected for Italy's World Cup play-off squad by manager Gennaro Gattuso. Despite the disappointment of missing the call-up, Zaniolo's agent Claudio Vigorelli expressed appreciation for Gattuso's transparent communication. Vigorelli reaffirmed that Udinese remains an ideal destination for Zaniolo to revive his career and hinted at the possibility of future Italy selections.
Chance analysis
Gattuso's decision to exclude Zaniolo from the World Cup play-off squad despite solid Serie A form suggests either tactical/positional considerations or performance level concerns at international standard. The agent's public appreciation for transparency indicates an attempt to maintain goodwill with the national team setup for future opportunities. Zaniolo's relatively modest goal contributions (5 in 26 games) may not justify selection for a critical play-off match, despite assist tally.
Zaniolo avoids international fatigue during the play-off period and can focus on consistent club performance; however, his exclusion from Italy squad indicates limited national team prospects in the near term.
Zaniolo remains available for Udinese's upcoming fixtures without international duty distractions, but his World Cup play-off exclusion signals he may not be in Gattuso's immediate Italy plans despite club form.