Zaniolo asks for respect after leaving Italy training camp

Zaniolo left Italy's training camp on Tuesday for personal reasons, missing Nations League matches against France and Belgium, and appealed for privacy on social media.

Nicolò Zaniolo departed Italy's Coverciano training base on Tuesday due to personal reasons, forcing him to miss upcoming Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium. The Udinese forward, who last played for Italy in a March 2024 friendly against Ecuador, had been recalled by manager Roberto Mancini after missing the previous international window with a muscle injury.

Zaniolo addressed the situation via Instagram, stating: "Leaving Coverciano was not easy, but I made this decision for strictly personal reasons. Wearing the azzurra is always a source of pride." He thanked Mancini, the coaching staff and his teammates for their support, then requested privacy: "I only ask that my private life be respected, without giving credit to stories that do not concern me."

According to La Repubblica, Zaniolo told his teammates and coaching staff simply: "Sorry, I have to go home." The Italian Football Federation confirmed only that he left for personal reasons, offering no further detail on whether an injury, disciplinary issue or disagreement with Mancini was involved.

Zaniolo reiterated his commitment to earning a recall, writing: "This shirt is in my heart and I will keep working every day to wear it again."