Udinese manager Kosta Runjaić says Nicolò Zaniolo has been inconsistent since his time at Aston Villa.
The manager has been speaking about the former Aston Villa man in his pre-match press conference for the clash against Atalanta. Radio Kiss Kiss have relayed his comments.
Aston Villa signed the attacking midfielder from Galatasaray on loan in August 2023. He played 1,290 minutes from 39 matches, scoring three goals under Unai Emery’s orders.
The Villans decided against making the 26-year-old’s stay permanent as he struggled with form and fitness. He picked up three different injuries during his spell with the Premier League side.
Galatasaray then sent him on loan to Atalanta in 2024, where he failed to impress. His temporary stay there was cut short in January and Fiorentina signed the former AS Roma man on loan.
Last summer, Udinese signed the Italy international on another temporary deal. He has three goals from eight matches so far this season. Since leaving Aston Villa, Zaniolo is yet to play the full 90 minutes.
Runjaić now claims the former Aston Villa man isn’t in a position to play the entire match yet.
“Zaniolo isn’t ready to play the full 90 minutes yet. Since his season with Aston Villa, he’s had his ups and downs, playing inconsistently. Given his recent history, it’s natural that he’ll need time to get back to 100%,” he said.
“He’s scored three times, a good average. He’s working hard and is a key player for us. We’ll do everything we can to improve his condition so he can play the full match. He’s increasingly becoming a leader of this team and is a role model for others.”