NICOLO ZANIOLO has dramatically withdrawn from the Italy squad for undisclosed personal reasons prior to their Nations League matches against France and Belgium.

The former Aston Villa loanee, now 27, received an unexpected call-up for the first time in two years.

However, Zaniolo, who has appeared seven times for Udinese this season, made the unexpected choice to withdraw from the roster.

A brief announcement from the Italian FA stated: “Nicolo Zaniolo has left the Italy training camp for personal reasons.”

Roberto Mancini, who returned to his role this summer, aimed to give Zaniolo an opportunity to rejuvenate his international career.

The former Manchester City manager awarded the attacking midfielder his first cap in 2019.

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Mancini, now 61, encouraged Zaniolo to become a consistent threat after being overlooked by his predecessor, Gennaro Gattuso.

The Premier League title winner stated: “I expect the same from him as I do from everyone else – to perform well and show consistency.

“He needs to start being a game-changer because time is slipping away. He was once just a kid, but now he should be a player who makes a significant impact for the national team.”

Despite having 19 caps, Zaniolo has returned to struggling Serie A side Udinese after opting out of matches against France and Belgium.

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The playmaker will shift his focus to his team’s upcoming trip to Bologna on November 22.

Zaniolo joined Villa on a season-long loan from Turkish club Galatasaray in 2023.

However, he was not signed on a permanent basis after scoring only three goals in 39 appearances.

Following that, Zaniolo went on to make additional loan moves to Atalanta and Fiorentina before finally heading to Udinese.

The once-promising Premier League player last featured for Italy during a friendly victory over Ecuador in March 2024.

He was not the only surprise addition to the Azzurri’s roster, as Mancini also included Como prodigy Riccardo Cassano, despite the teenager yet to make his senior debut.