Nicolò Zaniolo: Athlete's Biography

Club Career

Inter Milan

Zaniolo joined Inter Milan on 5 July 2017 for a reported fee of €1.8 million, plus €1.7 million in bonuses. He showcased his talent with Inter's Primavera team, finishing as their top scorer with 13 goals and helping them secure the Campionato Nazionale Primavera title. Despite being included in the first team squad during the season, Zaniolo did not make a competitive appearance for Inter Milan's senior team.

Roma

In June 2018, Zaniolo moved to Roma as part of the transfer deal involving Radja Nainggolan. He signed a five-year contract worth €4.5 million plus 15% resell revenue share. Zaniolo's debut came in the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid on 19 September 2018, and he made his Serie A debut shortly after. Notably, he scored his first Serie A goal on 26 December 2018 against Sassuolo, and later became the youngest Italian to score twice in a UEFA Champions League match, during a game against FC Porto. His performances in the 2018-19 season earned him the Serie A Young Player of the Year award.

Zaniolo's growth was hindered by injuries, beginning on 12 January 2020, with a serious ACL injury in a match against Juventus. He eventually returned from this setback in July 2020 and participated in the shortened 2019/20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, further injury issues plagued the entire 2020-21 season. Under new coach José Mourinho, he returned in the 2021-22 season, experiencing both challenges and successes, including securing the UEFA Europa Conference League for Roma with Zaniolo scoring the decisive goal in the final.

Galatasaray

In February 2023, Zaniolo transferred to Galatasaray for a record Turkish fee, marked by a €15M transfer with additional clauses. He made a significant impact, scoring in his debut friendly and leading the team to win the Süper Lig title in the 2022-23 season.

Aston Villa

Loaned to Aston Villa in August 2023, Zaniolo made his debut later that month, recording initial appearances in the Premier League and Europa Conference League, showcasing resilience in his play despite a gambling scandal implicating him, which he denied involvement in match-based gambling. He concluded his 2023-24 season with memorable Premier League performances, although it ended prematurely due to injury.

Atalanta

On 5 July, Zaniolo returned to Italy's Serie A, joining Atalanta on a season-long loan. The agreement included financial terms with a conditional option to purchase.

Nicolò Zaniolo is a prominent Italian professional footballer known for his dynamic abilities as an attacking midfielder, currently playing for Serie A club Atalanta on loan from Galatasaray, and representing the Italy national team. A player of significant promise, Zaniolo emerged as one of Italy's most exciting prospects, celebrated for his technical skills and versatility on the pitch.

Achievements

Team Achievements

• UEFA Europa Conference League: 2021-22 with Roma
• Süper Lig: 2022-23 with Galatasaray

Individual Achievements

• Serie A Best Young Player: 2018-19

Awards and Recognition

Zaniolo has been celebrated for his contributions and potential, recognized through prestigious awards such as the Serie A Best Young Player, highlighting his rise in European football.

Career Overview

Zaniolo's career has been marked by significant highs, such as his pivotal role in Roma's European successes and recognized potential, alongside challenges, including multiple serious injuries. His resilience and talent have made him a notable figure in Italian football.

Off the Field

Zaniolo's public image has been shaped by both his on-field performances and off-field activities. Known episodes include a gambling controversy, which he addressed by denying involvement in sports betting activities.

Personal Life

Zaniolo's personal life features a notable family background in football through his father. He has a son, Tommaso, born in 2021, with his former girlfriend Sara Scaperrotta. The couple experienced a period of separation before reconciling in 2024.