Nicolo Zaniolo played a huge part in Udinese’s big win against AC Milan on Saturday evening, and given the links with the Rossoneri, you could say that it was a perfect audition.
Right at the start of the season, Udinese secured Zaniolo’s services on loan from Galatasaray, where the winger had moved after leaving Roma in 2023. It was his fourth loan move in three seasons, so some perhaps had doubts about what impact he could have.
So far, with six goals and seven assists to his name, you have to say that the 26-year-old has got his career back on track. So much so that Milan have been linked with him in the last few weeks, eyeing him for what could be a bit of an ‘Italian revolution’ in the summer.
Very impressive performance
Just two days ago, Tuttosport also reported that the Milan management would keep a close eye on Zaniolo during Saturday’s game. Sure enough, the right-winger showed what he’s capable of with two assists and a great game overall.
33 minutes into the clash, I wrote in the liveblog that Zaniolo is ‘a mighty fine player’ as he looked so comfortable on the ball while constantly causing havoc for the Milan defence. That was after the run and assist for the first goal, but shortly after, he provided the lovely assist for the second goal.
It was a pinpoint cross to the far post and the Milan management must have raised some eyebrows when that happened. As said, it’s not just the end product that impressed so much (even if that’s super important), but also the way he approached the game and almost toyed with the defence.
A perfect audition indeed, and it remains to be seen if the Rossoneri will take a closer look at a potential transfer for the summer.
no.just like okafor
We’ve seen a few good auditions in the past but more importantly it is how the team is set up to support the play that makes the difference (Okafor, Hauge, etc.). Hard to imagine any player making a difference in this Milan team…too slow, too unimaginative…unfortunately we will have to reset and give Allegri the players he want. And then he can answer if he fails. Right now he is performing miracles with what he has…
No Thanks. One good match to be followed by 5 bad ones. My preference;
Lewandowski (Scores wherever he goes)
Bernardo Silva (Versatile, plays fast and super technical, WC?)
Kovacic – Solid passer, playmaker, great with the ball at his feat
Nathan Ake – Versatile, strong and fast – Can play back 3 or back 4, handles the ball well.
Go back for Mateta. Try for loan of Calafiori.
Critical that Milan qualify for the CL or…Will need to lower those expectations.
I wouldn’t say Zaniolo’s performance was anything special – it was more about Milan-players making him look good. He had all the space in the world and practically gave opened the door to him every time he got the ball.
What was that? “…bit of an ‘Italian revolution’ in the summer.”? Huh..that’s what they said last summer. Nah, there’s too many Italian players in this AC Milan team 🙄