Nicolo Zaniolo to Atalanta: A Much-Needed Homecoming for a Wayward Star
Nicolo Zaniolo was hoping a return to Italy would reignite his career. But a fresh start in familiar surroundings has raised similar issues for the injury-plagued Italian. A deal to join Europa League winners Atalanta this summer looked an exciting prospect for Zaniolo. But on the eve of the new Serie A season, the former Roma man has suffered yet another setback.
Tendinitis has been discovered in his left foot, leaving Zaniolo needing specialist consultation. The tendinitis is reportedly a knock-on effect from the metatarsal injury he suffered at the end of last season whilst at Aston Villa, and leaves Zaniolo looking to piece together his season before it has had a chance to blossom. Zaniolo made 40 appearances in all competitions for Aston Villa last season as they stormed towards Champions League qualification.
It looked as though the 25-year-old was building confidence and consistency. But after suffering a metatarsal injury against Liverpool in May, Zaniolo has had to start over again. Zaniolo watched on from back home as Italy lifted the Euros in 2021, and whilst the Azzurri were unable to defend their title in Germany this summer, Zaniolo was once again dealt a bitter blow after injury ruled him out of Luciano Spalletti’s squad.
A unique blend of physicality and technical proficiency, Zaniolo has long been thought of as a bright prospect. But approaching the supposed prime of his career, Zaniolo is at a crossroads. He has struggled to consistently prove his ability, with injuries continuing to hamper his development, and discussion has turned to whether he will ever truly be able to put his injury woes behind him. It feels like Zaniolo needs to make it work at Atalanta if he’s to ever fulfill his potential.
Zaniolo is the latest Atalanta player to suffer a major injury this summer, with Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini both undergoing surgery for torn anterior cruciate ligaments in their knees. Gian Piero Gasperini could hardly have had worse luck heading into the new campaign, and with star midfielder Teun Koopmeiners angling for a move to Juventus, there’s no telling when Atalanta’s fortunes will change.
La Dea started their Serie A campaign away to Lecce on Monday, where they successfully managed to put a disrupted pre-season behind them. Atalanta spent heavily following their Europa League triumph, bringing in Charles De Ketelaere, Mateo Retegui, Ben Godfrey and Ibrahim Sulemana for combined fees of around £60m.
However, whilst refreshing their squad, they initially struggled to build an understanding on the pitch, failing to win any of their four pre-season friendlies. Atalanta kicked off their campaign by losing 2-0 to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw before bouncing back with a 4-0 demolition of Lecce courtesy of braces from new signings Mateo Retegui and Marco Brescianni.
Zaniolo needs to prove his fitness if he’s to force his way into Gasperini’s plans. But for now, he is only adding to the veteran manager’s woes. At 25, it feels like Zaniolo is fighting a losing battle. But with Atalanta themselves in a difficult period, there are minutes for the Italian midfielder if he can stay fit.
By: Sam Tabuteau / @TabuteauS
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Photo Agency / Getty