During the match between Udinese and Milan, which the Rossoneri lost badly, Nicolò Zaniolo stood out: not only for the decisive pass to Atta for the opening goal, but also for the perfectly weighted assist to Ekkelenkamp for Udinese’s second goal.
Zaniolo leads Runjaić’s Udinese: performance and Sofascore data:
Zaniolo delivered an excellent all-round performance and was decisive in attack for Kosta Runjaić’s side, while also contributing well defensively. According to data from Sofascore, he provided one assist and recorded an 84% passing accuracy.
The Italian playmaker has been linked with Milan on several occasions and could now come back into focus.
Stalemate between Udinese and Zaniolo:
Here are Nicolò Schira’s words from his X account: "There is no agreement between Udinese and Nicolò Zaniolo on the new salary as of now. AC Milan are at the window."
Udinese signed the playmaker permanently from Galatasaray after an excellent season in the black-and-white shirt, with Zaniolo putting pen to paper on a contract until 2029. However, he is reportedly seeking a salary that better reflects his key role at Udinese. Milan could step into this deadlock between club and player, although they would in that case need to negotiate directly with Udinese, who effectively hold full control of the player’s registration.
Season statistics for Nicolò Zaniolo in Serie A:
This season, his performances have produced strong numbers. The details are:
- 32 Serie A appearances, 28 of them as a starter, totalling 2,269 minutes;
- 5 goals and 6 assists overall;
- An average of 38.7 touches per match;
- 2.3 shots per game on average;
- 14 possessions lost (data from Sofascore).
Tactical role in Ruben Amorim’s Milan
In Ruben Amorim’s Milan, he could play in the two positions behind the striker, either wide or more central. In that role, he would suit the system well, given his physical attacking versatility and ability to score goals, as pointed out via Pianeta Milan.
At present, these are only rumours, and it remains to be seen whether Zaniolo will truly become an important transfer target for Milan.
