Zaniolo needs knee surgery after goalscoring performance in Torino 1-2 Udinese | OneFootball

Nicolo Zaniolo has confirmed that he will require a minor operation on his knee to amend an issue that he suffered in the build-up to Udinese’s midweek 2-1 victory away against Torino in Serie A.

Zaniolo has announced on social media that he felt a discomfort in his knee in training before Udinese’s 2-1 win over Torino, but ‘wanted to be there at all costs’, and so, kept his place in the starting line-up.

He went on to score the opening goal of the game after 50 minutes, which helped Udinese on their way to an important 2-1 win over Torino.

COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Nicolo’ Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio interacts with Hassane Kamara of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Zaniolo was still declared fit enough to play as a starter for the 2-2 draw against Pisa on Saturday, but the discomfort has now become too severe, and he will now need a minor procedure to fix the issue. According to reports from Sky Sport Italia, the surgery is likely to keep the 26-year-old sidelined for around two weeks, or 15 days.

What Zaniolo said about knee surgery

“Unfortunately I felt a little discomfort in my knee in training before the match against Torino. I wanted to be there at all costs to help the team win,” the Udinese forward wrote in a brief statement on Instagram.

“Now I have to stop for a very minor knee surgery, which will help me come back stronger than ever in a few weeks time. Forza Udinese.”