Zaniolo: ‘I returned home to Fiorentina and have no regrets’ | OneFootball

Nicolò Zaniolo feels he has ‘returned home’ at Fiorentina, where his career really started, but insists despite all the many recent experiences he has ‘no regrets.’

The 25-year-old was considered one of Italian football’s brightest prospects and earned his first Italy call-up before even making his Serie A debut.

However, after leaving Roma amid tension in February 2023 he has gone through Galatasaray, Aston Villa and Atalanta until the deadline day move to Fiorentina.

“I left Fiorentina at the age of 16, I return at 25, it is very emotional to know I have returned home,” said Zaniolo in his presentation press conference.

“The ideal would be to come full circle by lifting a trophy. We went close twice with two lost finals, but the third time could be the charm.”

During his time going through so many clubs, he has earned a bad reputation for his mentality and attitude.

“It was you who always said that, but I never had problems with coaches or teammates at any club,” Zaniolo told reporters.

“I did leave Roma in a bit of a bad way, but I know what I am worth and so does my family, the rest I leave to you.”

Even this season with Atalanta, Zaniolo was criticised for his provocative goal celebrations.

“The great thing about football is the joy of scoring a goal, obviously without lacking respect for the fans or players. I will always celebrate in a civilised and normal manner.”

Why Zaniolo chose Fiorentina transfer

CAGLIARI, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Nicolò Zaniolo of Atalanta celebrates his goal 0-1 during the Serie A match between Cagliari and Atalanta at Sardegna Arena on December 14, 2024 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

Fiorentina are flying high this season under coach Raffaele Palladino and Zaniolo was in the stands to watch last night’s 3-0 Serie A victory over Inter.

“I did not need much convincing to come here, it is the best step for my career. The team was fantastic yesterday, it was as if there were 13 of us against 11 of them, fighting to the end for a deserved win against one of the best teams in Europe.”

He will also reunite with an old friend, having been close buddies with Moise Kean since they were roommates for the Italy Under-21 side.

“He’s almost a brother to me. I had no doubts what he was capable of in the right circumstances. I basically grew up with Ranieri too. Now I too must put myself at the disposal of the squad, then if the team works as a collective, I benefit individually too.

“I must earn my place in the side and try to understand as quickly as possible what the coach, staff and everyone requires of me.”

The switch to Fiorentina was a delayed one, as Zaniolo had already been linked with them in the summer before choosing Atalanta instead.

“I was undecided, it was this option and I had preferred Bergamo, but seeing as I wasn’t playing much with Atalanta and the Viola had already shown interest in me, I took this step. I was lacking in match fitness when I arrived for Atalanta and I have no problem with Gian Piero Gasperini, he improved my vision of football. I thank him and Atalanta for the opportunity, but everyone has their ideas and I respect that.”

Among the problems stalling his career has been the confusion over where he is meant to be playing, sometimes used as a False 9 by Atalanta.

“I started as a right-sided winger, I can play as a trequartista or in case of extreme emergency as a centre-forward,” explains Zaniolo.

“I am good at taking opponents on and my shot from outside the box, but I need to improve on my weaker foot, in the air and with my determination, which at times is lacking.”

The Number 17 is traditionally considered to be bad luck in Italy, so why did Zaniolo choose it at Fiorentina?

“There was a lad who had written to me when I went to Turkey, but he was killed in the earthquake. His father asked me to take that shirt number, which is the one he wore, and I was proud to do that.”

Considering all the clubs he has been through, failing to make much of a mark, does Zaniolo have regrets?

“No, none. I liked to live in the moment and think about the future, you cannot change the past. Some decisions seemed right at the time, so they needed to be made. I am 25 years old, I can’t wait to get started here now I have returned home.”