Roberto Mancini has warned Nicolo Zaniolo that he must start taking his opportunities to impress for Italy, before time runs out for the playmaker.
'Time passes by' – Mancini warns Zaniolo he must seize Italy chance
Nicolo Zaniolo could make his first Italy appearance in over two years this week, and Roberto Mancini wants him to take his opportunity.
Zaniolo has been included in the Azzurri's squad for their upcoming Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium, with their qualification from Group A1 still in the balance.
Having taken seven points from their opening four games, Italy sit second in the group, three points below France and one above Belgium, meaning their matchday six meeting with the Red Devils – in Brussels on Sunday – could be a winner-take-all clash.
Zaniolo was initially included in Mancini's first squad since returning to the Italy job in September, but a thigh issue caused the Udinese man to pull out.
The 27-year-old also struggled with a hamstring problem at the start of the campaign, restricting him to just six Serie A appearances in 2026-27.
He has scored one goal and provided one assist this season for Udinese, who he joined on loan last season before making his stay permanent in the summer, and it has been more than two years since he represented his country.
Once seen as a burgeoning talent for Roma and Italy, Zaniolo has only won 19 senior caps – 10 of which have come from the bench – with the most recent of those coming against Ecuador in March 2024.
Zaniolo's only two senior international goals came against Armenia in November 2019, and Mancini has warned he will not get many more chances to shine on the big stage.
"I expect the same thing as I do from everyone else – to perform well and be consistent," Mancini told reporters, when asked what he expected from Zaniolo.
"He must start being decisive, because time passes by. He used to be a kid, and now he should be a player who makes a difference for the national team."
The average age of this Italy squad is just 24 years and 171 days, making it the youngest group selected by Mancini across his two spells in charge.
And the Euro 2020-winning boss admits he cannot call upon players with the same international pedigree as he could in his first stint in the job.
"Back in 2018, we had more experienced players," he said.
"Giorgio [Chiellini], Leo [Bonucci], [Marco] Verratti, Jorginho... they were the most experienced ones. Today, we don't have many."
San Siro will be the venue for Italy's meeting with France on Thursday, with Les Bleus knowing a victory would secure top spot in the group.
