The Rise of Niccolò Zaniolo: How He Became Italy’s Most Dominant Attacking Midfielder
In a era where youth talents are in high demand, Niccolò Zaniolo’s rise to the top of Italian football has been nothing short of meteoric. The attacking midfielder, just 22 years old, has established himself as Italy’s most dominant player at his position, leaving a trail of defenders in his wake. This article takes a closer look at Zaniolo’s incredible journey, from humble beginnings to his current status as the crown jewel of Italian football.
The Early Years
Born in Rimini, Italy in 1999, Zaniolo was first spotted by Empoli FC coaches at a young age, when he was still playing for a local amateur club. He joined Empoli’s youth academy in 2006, and by the time he was 14, he was already catching the attention of Italy’s youth team coaches.
Zaniolo’s breakthrough season came in 2017, when he helped Empoli reach Serie A with 12 goals in 24 games. This form earned him a move to AS Roma in August 2018, a switch that seemed like a bargain considering the £23 million price tag.
Breaking into the Big Time
In his debut season with Roma, Zaniolo scored 7 goals and registered 3 assists in 18 appearances. Although he missed much of the following season with an ACL injury, he was named to Italy’s 23-man squad for the 2019 UEFA European Championship, a testament to his incredible talent and versatility.
After Roma’s financial woes led to his loan deal being terminated in July 2020, Zaniolo took a significant leap by joining Serie A rivals Sassuolo. There, he enjoyed a free role under head coach Roberto De Zerbi, contributing 6 goals and 11 assists in his first campaign, as the Neroverdi secured a surprising Europa League berth.
Current Dominance
As we entered the 2022-2023 season, it was clear that Zaniolo had truly come of age. His all-around skill set – vision, technical ability, pace, and vision – left Italy’s other clubs struggling to keep up with him. This year, he’s scored an incredible 11 goals and assisted a further 9, contributing significantly to Sassuolo’s climb up the league table.
So, what explains Zaniolo’s astonishing rise to stardom? We can identify a few factors: his athleticism, intelligence, and dedication, coupled with Roma’s astute purchase and his ability to flourish under De Zerbi. However, a big part of Zaniolo’s success stems from his insatiable appetite to improve.
"It’s natural for a young player to strive for excellence," says De Zerbi, reflecting on his work with Zaniolo. "Niccolò has this quality in spades. His relentless pursuit of improvement has turned him into an extraordinary talent, a true great."
Italy’s Bright Future
As Sassuolo battles to maintain its surprise Europa League appearance, it’s hard to predict what lies ahead for Niccolò Zaniolo. His versatility will no doubt ensure him a key role in both Serie A and Italy’s upcoming Euro 2024 campaign.
This remarkable youngster is now in a position to rewrite the records. Will Zaniolo break Silvio Piola’s long-standing record for Italy’s top-scoring player (35 goals) or win a major club title? There’s no shortage of excitement on the horizon.
Niccolò Zaniolo, Italy’s rising star, is an electric package of raw talent, ambition, and tireless dedication. If he maintains this incredible pace, the Azzurri might just be gazing up at a shiny new crown in years to come – and all under the inspired tutelage of his mentor, Roberto De Zerbi.
