Is Zaniolo Italy’s new Balotelli?
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Loading... - Conor Murphy
- 07 Feb 2023
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Once upon a time, Nicolo Zaniolo was one of the promising emerging young Italians but recent events at Roma have seen his stock fall dramatically, drawing comparisons with Mario Balotelli, Apollo Heyes details.
The 23-year-old Italian forward has been excluded from Jose Mourinho’s project in the Italian capital after trying to force through a move away in the January transfer window, hoping to join the interested Milan.
The situation has infuriated Roma, who have been disappointed with the player’s on-pitch work and behaviour in contract renewal talks in recent months, a situation that saw large parts of the fanbase boo him in the Coppa Italia win over Genoa.
It’s clear to see why Zaniolo has not drawn much positivity this season. On a surface level, the 23-year-old has failed the eye test in recent months, looking poor and uninspired on the pitch, leading to frustration and a drop in confidence.
The underlying numbers also signal the Roma forward’s recent regression; in Serie A this season, he’s only averaged 2.73 shot-creating actions per 90, far lower than the 3.92 produced last campaign. He’s also played less progressive passes, 1.11 per 90 compared to 2.05 in 2021-22, and less progressive dribbles, 6.16 per 90 compared to 7.72 last campaign.
Whilst his regression could be explained by his two cruciate ligament ruptures, suffered in January and September 2020, it’s clear that his immaturity has also played a factor, something that has now seen him dropped from Mourinho’s Roma project entirely.
It’s not hard to draw comparisons with former Inter and Manchester City striker Balotelli, even if the 32-year-old posses far more talent than his younger counterpart. When emerging in the Lombardy capital from 2007 to 2010, the Italian striker was one of the most exciting young players in Europe, clearly having that little spark of magic in his feet. Read More…
