Zaniolo Misses Italy's Nations League Opener vs Belgium

Zaniolo's return to the Italy squad is on hold as a hamstring issue keeps him out of Mancini's first game back.

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What happened. Nicolò Zaniolo will not be in Italy's matchday squad for Friday's Nations League opener against Belgium due to a physical issue. The Azzurri staff feel he is not yet in the best condition after missing three Serie A matches for Udinese with a hamstring injury earlier this month.

• Mancini named a 34-man squad but must cut to 23 for competitive fixtures.
• Zaniolo has not played for Italy since a friendly against Ecuador on March 24, 2024.
• Italy are expected to start Moise Kean and Nicolò Cambiaghi supporting Pio Esposito.

Zaniolo will hope to regain fitness for Italy's upcoming matches against Türkiye and France.

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