Right Flank Vacated as Italy Senior Forward Exits Coverciano Camp
Udinese attacker Nicolo Zaniolo officially withdrew from the Italy national squad on November 10, 2026, departing the Coverciano training camp ahead of upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The 27-year-old forward exited the setup for unspecified personal reasons, leaving head coach Roberto Mancini without a senior operator on the right flank for the upcoming international window.
The Italian Football Federation confirmed the departure without calling up an emergency replacement to the 31-man roster. The decision leaves Italy to prepare for fixtures against France at San Siro on Thursday and Belgium on Sunday with reduced options in attack.
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The sudden vacancy on the right wing concentrates competitive selection between unbilled options within the current group. Napoli’s Antonio Vergara and Como’s Mattia Liberali represent the primary remaining figures positioned to fill the right-sided tactical role during tactical preparation. Both prospects featured alongside Zaniolo during Monday’s initial session in Florence before his departure was finalized on Tuesday.
The timing presents an immediate tactical adjustment for the coaching staff during a critical phase of the Nations League group campaign. Without senior depth along the right boundary, the team must rely on inexperienced alternative options against top-tier opposition in back-to-back fixtures.