The initial loan is for six months and expires in January 2020, but the club have the option to extend the deal until 30 June, according to Roma's official website.Â
Zappacosta will wear the No.2 shirt in the Italian capital and becomes the club's seventh signing of a busy summer transfer window.
Chelsea announced that Zappacosta signed a one-year contract extension before completing his move:
.@DZappacosta has extended his contract with the Blues and has completed a loan move in Italy until the end of January...
Zappacosta offered his thoughts on sealing a return to the Italian top flight after two years in west London with Chelsea, per the Roma website:
"I am pleased to join Roma, after an experience overseas that helped me progress as both a player and a person. Being able to play for a great club like this is a huge motivationâI cannot wait to start training alongside my new teammates."
The 27-year-old has plenty of Serie A experience to count on. He enjoyed spells at Atalanta and Torino before moving to the Premier League in 2017.
Zappacosta was brought to Chelsea by Antonio Conte and made 22 appearances in his first season.
However, he made only four in 2018-19 after slipping down the pecking order under Conte's successor Maurizio Sarri.
The right-back has not featured in any of Chelsea's three games this season and spoke about how he was feeling about returning to Italy prior to sealing his switch.
He told Sky in Italy (h/t Sky Sports): "Returning to my country is very emotional. I missed Italy a lot and I'm happy to return here with Roma."
Simon Johnson at the Evening Standard noted how Zappacosta is the latest player signed in 2017 to depart:
So with Zappacosta joining Roma on loan, it means that of the 7 signings #cfc made at a cost of ÂŁ187m (approx) in the 2017 summer window, only 2 are still part of the current squad: Antonio Rudiger and free transfer Willy Caballero. Rudiger only one to be first team regular.
Zappacosta's departure is likely to benefit 19-year-old defender Reece James. The teenager is currently out injured but could get the chance to act as back-up to Cesar Azpilicueta when he returns.
Nicolo Zaniolo Signs 5-Year AS Roma Contract Amid Transfer Rumours
Aug 14, 2019
ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 11: Nicolo Zaniolo of Roma looks on during the pre-season friendly match between AS Roma and Real Madrid at Stadio Olimpico on August 11, 2019 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Nicolo Zaniolo has put an end to the transfer speculation surrounding him by signing a new five-year contract with AS Roma.
The Giallorossi announced the news on Wednesday. Zaniolo said it was an easy decision to put pen to paper.
"A year ago it was an easy decision to choose Roma, and today it is even easier. I would like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to tie myself even closer to these colours â it is exactly what I wanted.â
The 20-year-old was strongly linked to Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus earlier this summer, per Football.London's Amie Wilson and Phil Spencer. Per Il Tempo (h/t Metro), Manchester United were also interested, but the youngster didn't leave for England before the Premier League's transfer window slammed shut.
Zaniolo only joined Roma in 2018 but had a major breakout season in the capital.
ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 11: Nicolo Zaniolo of Roma in action during the pre-season friendly match between AS Roma and Real Madrid at Stadio Olimpico on August 11, 2019 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
He arrived as part of the deal that took Radja Nainggolan to Inter Milan, a deal that has to be considered one of the worst in recent Italian football. Just one year later, Nainggolan is at Cagliari on loan, while Zaniolo has gone from a throw-in to one of the most valuable youngsters in Serie A.
The league's official YouTube account did a comparison video with Fiorentina's Federico Chiesa, another top prospect:
Zaniolo started 20 Serie A matches in his first season with Roma, scoring four goals and adding two assists. The versatile midfielder did his best work in an advanced role, and while he had his struggles and cooled off toward the end of the campaign, the potential he flashed led to all the exit speculation.
Like United star Paul Pogba, Zaniolo combines excellent sizeâ190 cmâwith deceptive athleticism and good technical ability. He can get out of tight spots with a simple turn, reads the play well and is always dangerous in and around the box.
LILLE, FRANCE - AUGUST 03: Nicolo Zaniolo of AS Roma and Edgar Ie of Lille fight for the ball during the Friendly match between Lille and AS Roma at Stade Pierre Mauroy on August 03, 2019 in Lille, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
The youngster spent part of his academy days with Genoa, Fiorentina and Virtus Entella and has already played for three clubs during his professional career. Some stability can only help his development, so it's no surprise he has chosen to sign a new deal with Roma.
The Giallorossi gave him his chance last season and will most likely build their squad around their star midfielder in the coming years.
Antonio Conte Agreed to Join Roma Before Inter Milan Move, Says Francesco Totti
Jun 17, 2019
VIENNA, AUSTRIA - JULY 16: Head coach of Chelsea Antonio Conte is seen on the bench during an friendly match between SK Rapid Vienna and Chelsea F.C. at Allianz Stadion on July 16, 2016 in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by Matej Divizna/Getty Images)
Antonio Conte agreed to join Roma before replacing Luciano Spalletti as Inter Milan manager, according to club legend Francesco Totti.Â
The former Chelsea boss moved to the San Siro in May after a year out of management, but Totti says he came close to taking the helm at the Stadio Olimpico.
BR Video
"I spoke with Antonio Conte: he had given his 'okay' to become Roma coach," he said, per Jamie Smith at Goal."Then, he went to Inter."
Totti went on to explain why Conte did not move to the Italian capital:
Totti: "I said the only one who can transform #ASRoma right now is Antonio Conte. He had given us the all-clear as we saw and talked to him many times, but then there were problems and he changed his mind" https://t.co/kVy1Ug5bXv
Conte is regarded as one of Europe's top managers. He won three Serie A titles during his time in charge of Juventus and clinched the Premier League and FA Cup as Chelsea boss:
2.14 - Antonio Conte averaged 2.14 points per game as a manager in the Premier League; only Sir Alex Ferguson (2.16) and Pep Guardiola (2.34) have averaged more in the competition's history (min. 10 games managed). Ciao. pic.twitter.com/UuI7atnlVD
He has now returned to Italy with Inter where he will be charged with challenging Juventus for the title and bringing silverware to the San Siro.
The Nerazzurri finished in fourth place last season, a distant 21 points off top spot. However, their league position also means they have qualified to play in the UEFA Champions League again next season.
Meanwhile, Roma have since brought in Paulo Fonseca from Shakhtar Donetsk as manager on a two-year deal:
It's official - Paulo Fonseca will be the new head coach of #ASRoma!
Yet Fonesca will not work with Totti as the World Cup winner has resigned from his role as a director of the club:
Totti: âI resign as Roma executive. Itâs a very bad day for me. I was never given the chance to work practically on the technical area. Presidents, players, managers come and go. But legends never goâ
Football commentator Matteo Bonetti said Totti's departure will have an impact at the club:
James Pallotta wasnât exactly revered by Roma fans before today. After these Totti comments, the relationship between fan base and ownership is irreparable.
The 42-year-old spent his entire playing career at Roma and then moved upstairs when he finally hung up his boots in 2017. He follows another club legend, Daniele De Rossi, in leaving the Serie A club this summer.
Nicolo Zaniolo 'Sees Future at AS Roma' Amid Spurs, Bayern Munich Rumours
May 15, 2019
ROME, ITALY - APRIL 13: Nicolò Zaniolo of AS Roma is challenged by Jens Stryger Larsen of Udinese during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Udinese at Stadio Olimpico on April 13, 2019 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Giampiero Sposito/Getty Images)
AS Roma starlet Nicolo Zaniolo has committed his future to the Giallorossi, saying he's positive a contract renewal will happen amid links to Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich.Â
Zaniolo spoke to Sky Sport Italia (h/t Goal's Matt Dorman) to discuss his future:
"I still have four years left on my contract and I'm happy here. I see my future at Roma. My agent will talk to the club at the end of the season.
"It's always pleasing to have interest from great teams, but I'm focused on Roma and the last two league games. I'm positive about the [contract] renewal and I'm happy to stay."
FLORENCE, ITALY - APRIL 29: Nicolo Zaniolo of Italy looks on during a Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on April 29, 2019 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Dorman noted both Spurs and Bayern have been credited with an interest, while Football Italia added Real Madrid and Juventus to the list of suitors.
Zaniolo's father previously told Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) the midfielder won't leave the Italian capital, and contract talks were planned for the end of the season.
The 19-year-old was the breakout star of the 2018-19 Serie A campaign, emerging as one of the most promising midfielders in Europe. He has started 19 matches in the Italian top division so far, scoring four goals and adding two assists.
His best goal of the Serie A season came against Sassuolo, highlighting both his technical ability and vision:
Listed at 6'2", Zaniolo combines tremendous size and athletic ability with good feet and vision. While he's still raw, his all-round skill set is reminiscent of that of Manchester United star Paul Pogba.
He moved to Roma as part of the deal that took Radja Nainggolan to Inter Milan.
Finally blossoming with the Giallorossi, it's easy to see why Zaniolo and his camp would prefer some stability, after years of uncertainty at multiple clubs. Corriere dello Sport (h/t Sport Witness) has reported Spurs are willing to offer far more attractive wages than anything Roma can put forward, however:
Nicolo Zaniolo | Five-year deal waiting for 19-year-old at Tottenham, âlarger wages than anythingâ he can get back home. https://t.co/56CpYaPYxO#thfc#coys
Roma have developed a reputation as a selling club over the last few years, parting with the likes of Nainggolan, Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker for the right fee.
They could use some stability in midfield, however, as longtime starter Daniele De Rossi will leave the club this summer:
Zaniolo is far from the finished productâper WhoScored.com, he completed fewer than 77 per cent of his passes in the UEFA Champions Leagueâand a switch to one of Europe's elite clubs may come too soon.
Another season in the Italian capital could work wonders for his development, so a contract extension would likely be in his best interest.
Daniele De Rossi to Leave AS Roma After 18 Years
May 14, 2019
PORTO, PORTUGAL - MARCH 06: Daniele De Rossi of AS Roma looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Porto and AS Roma at Estadio do Dragao on March 06, 2019 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
AS Roma captain Daniele De Rossi will leave the club at the end of the season, bringing an end to his 18-year stint with the Giallorossi.Â
The club announced the news on Tuesday, adding the midfielder will not retire but instead "pursue a new adventure away from Rome."Â Club CEO Guido Fienga told reporters his contract will not be renewed, per Football Italia:
#ASRoma CEO Guido Fienga: "Yesterday I met Daniele & told him about the club's decision not to renew his contract. I expressed a desire for him to stay in a different role. Whenever he wants, he can accept this proposal"
De Rossi spoke to the press later in the day, explaining he's not ready to retire:
De Rossi: "I realised the decision the club was going to take regarding myself. I'm almost 36 and I know how football is, but I didn't want to distract from our European race. I thank the directors for their offer - I respect it and appreciate it, but I still feel like a player." pic.twitter.com/xHpAVOcEaa
Fienga apologised to the club legend for not approaching him sooner, and De Rossi admitted he wasn't happy with the decision:
De Rossi: "I'm not over the moon, but I accept the decision of the club. I have no resentment towards that. We never spoke about money: that was not the crux of the matter." pic.twitter.com/iq1LXpDZWg
The 35-year-old had been a one-club man up until this point, making 615 total appearances for the Giallorossi. That number placed him second on their all-time appearance-makers' list, behind the legendary forward and previous captain, Francesco Totti.
The club shared this video on Twitter to celebrate the gritty midfielder's time in the capital:
Roma president Jim Pallotta spoke about his departure and what he has meant to the club:
"For 18 years, Daniele has been the beating heart of AS Roma's team.
"From his debut in 2001 to taking on the responsibility of the captain's armband, he always represented the Roma fans on the pitch with pride as he established himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe.
"We will all shed tears when he pulls on the Giallorossi shirt for the last time against Parma, but we respect his desire to prolong his playing careerâeven if, at almost 36, it will be away from Rome.Â
"On behalf of everyone at Roma, I'd like to thank Daniele for his incredible dedication to this club and ensure him that our doors will remain open for him to return to the club in a new role whenever he wants."
His final match at the Stadio Olimpico will be against Parma on May 26, per sports writer Adriano Del Monte:
đ Daniele De Rossi to confirm his 18 year Roma career is over at seasonâs end in a press conference later today.
— Adriano Del Monte (@adriandelmonte) May 14, 2019
De Rossi made his senior debut in 2001 in a UEFA Champions League match against Anderlecht, and emerged as one of the team's top midfielders in the following seasons. He inherited the captain's armband ahead of the 2017-18 season following Totti's retirement.
De Rossi and his father explained their passion for the club a few years ago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojHcFmRV27k
While he has spent nearly two decades with the senior team, major silverware has mostly eluded him in Rome. He won the Coppa Italia twice with Roma, in 2007 and 2008, and beat Inter Milan to the Supercoppa Italiana in 2007, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win.
His biggest on-pitch success came as a member of the Italian national team, winning the 2006 World Cup.
Roma's current vice-captain is Alessandro Florenzi, so it is likely he will take the role permanently next season.Â
Antonio Conte Dismisses Roma Rumours: 'The Conditions Aren't There'
May 7, 2019
FLORENCE, ITALY - NOVEMBER 12: Antonio Conte during the
Antonio Conte has said he will not join Roma in the summer amid speculation he is close to making a return to management.
The Italian has been on sabbatical since he was axed by Chelsea ahead of the current campaign, although rumours have continued to persist about a possible job in Serie A, with Roma one of the teams mentioned.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) in an interview published on Tuesday, Conte commented on the reports linking him with the Giallorossi, as well as a possible return to Juventus:
"I think Juventus have started a path and I think theyâre very happy with Massimiliano Allegri, who has certainly continued my work and is doing very well. You never know what tomorrow brings. ...
"I fell in love with Rome, spending a lot of time there in my two years as CT [Italy head coach]. At the Olimpico you feel the passion of the fans, who live football with a particular intensity, who go mad for Roma and live for them.
"It has a passionate atmosphere that envelops you. Right now the conditions arenât there, but I think Iâll coach Roma one day in the future."
As relayed by Football Italia, Inter Milan and AC Milan have also been linked with a possible move for Conte.Â
Although he has been out of action for almost a year, the 49-year-old is considered one of the finest coaches in the game. He won the FA Cup at the end of his final year at Chelsea, having steered the team to a Premier League title the season before.
These numbers show just how impressive the triumphant 2016-17 term was for Conte's Chelsea side:
Antonio Conte's 2016/17 Chelsea side were the first team in history to win 30 Premier League games in a single season.
Tifo Football broke down the tactical blueprint used by Conte to deliver the title for the Blues:
Conte has also enjoyed success as a coach in Serie A and was a key figure in establishing Juventus as the dominant force in Italian football again. In his three years in charge of the Bianconeri, he was a Serie A winner three times.
Juventus continue to have a stranglehold on Serie AâAllegri has steered them to five more successive titles during his time in chargeâand it would be a shock if they were to change their manager. For any of the other clubs mentioned, though, Conte would be a coup.
They will all be desperate to close the gap to Juventus next season, having watched the Turin giants dominate the division over the last decade. A coach with the motivational skills and tactical acumen of Conte would be a huge help Roma (30 points), Milan (30 points) and Inter (26 points) in chopping down the substantial deficit to Juventus.
Claudio Ranieri Named Roma's Interim Manager After Eusebio Di Francesco Sacking
Mar 8, 2019
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Claudio Ranieri, Manager of Fulham looks on prior to the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on February 9, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Claudio Ranieri has been named Roma's interim manager after the exit of Eusebio Di Francesco following the side's Champions League exit at the hands of Porto on Wednesday.
The Italian giants confirmed Ranieri's return on their official website on Friday, and he will stay in temporary control until June 30.
The former Chelsea and Leicester City boss, who recently left Fulham, has previously played for and managed the Giallorossi.
Di Francesco's departure was confirmed on Thursday, with Roma three points off the Champions League places in fifth and having been eliminated from Europe's premier competition at the last-16 stage.
Club president Jim Pallotta said he was pleased to bring Ranieri back to the Italian capital.
"We are delighted to welcome Claudio Ranieri back to the club."
"We have one objective remaining this season and that is to finish in the highest possible league position and secure qualification for the Champions League."
"At this stage of the campaign, it was important to bring in a coach who knows the club, understands the environment, can speak the language and is able to motivate the players. Claudio ticks all of those boxes and he's very excited to take on this challenge."
The manager has a wealth of experience and was in charge at the Stadio Olimpico for 18 months after his appointment in 2009.
Ranieri famously led Leicester to the Premier League title in 2015-16 and was awarded The Best FIFA Football Coach accolade as a result of the Foxes' staggering achievement.
The Italian has also previously coached Juventus, Napoli, Inter Milan, Monaco, Valencia and Fiorentina. He has also spent time in the international arena as manager of Greece.
Roma legend and current director Francesco Totti said he approves of the temporary appointment, per the club's website.
"Claudio's from the city, he's a Roma fan but more than that, he's one of the most experienced coaches in world football."
"What we need now is a safe pair of hands to guide us back into the top four and ensure that we are playing Champions League football again next season. We have 12 games left and we need to win as many of them as possible."
The 67-year-old was in charge at Fulham for only three months and was dismissed from his duties in late February after failing to spark the club's form.
Roma Director of Football Monchi Leaves Club Amid Arsenal Rumours
Mar 8, 2019
PORTO, PORTUGAL - MARCH 06: AS Roma Sport director Ramon Rodriguez 'Monchi' looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Porto and AS Roma at Estadio do Dragao on March 06, 2019 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Roma parted company with director of football Monchi on Friday amid rumours he is wanted by Arsenal.
The Italian side announced the news via Twitter:
AS Roma and Monchi have mutually agreed to bring an early end to their professional relationship.
Monchi: "I would like to thank president Pallotta, the clubâs management, staff, players and fans for their support during my time at the club."
According to Calciomercato.com's Francesco Balzani (h/t Sport Witness' Naveen Ullal), the Gunners are set to pursue Monchi's services "immediately."
Monchi's departure from the Giallorossi follows their UEFA Champions League last-16 exit at the hands of Porto on Wednesday.
Italian football expert David Amoyal had sympathy for the Spaniard:
There is no club that brings more pressure in Italy than Roma, it goes well beyond tweets and videos. Monchi also had to deal with a difficult financial situation at the club, he can strive with a new opportunity
The Gunners already have a director of football in Raul Sanllehi, but head of recruitment Sven Mislintat left the club in February after just 14 months in the job.
According to Football.London's James Benge, Arsenal feel positive they will be able to bring Monchi to the Emirates Stadium:
Monchi gone. Could be a while before he takes over a Arsenal but theyâre confident theyâll get him.
Those three Europa League tiriumphs took Sevilla's trophy haul to 11 during Monchi's 17-year spell at the club before he joined Roma.
The 50-year-old helped to recruit the likes of Dani Alves and Ivan Rakitic on a limited budget, and he also helped the club win back-to-back UEFA Cups in 2006 and 2007 as well as the Copa del Rey twice.
Arsenal have more resources than Sevilla or Roma, but they can't invest as heavily as rivals such as Manchester United or Manchester City, either.
They will need to recruit smartly to make up for that deficit, and Monchi has an excellent track record of doing just that.
Eusebio Di Francesco Sacked by AS Roma After UCL Loss to Porto
Mar 7, 2019
Roma's Italian coach Eusebio Di Francesco holds a press conference at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on September 18, 2018 on the eve of the UEFA Champions League football match between Real Madrid CF and AS Roma. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images)
AS Roma have parted ways with manager Eusebio Di Francesco after the team were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Porto on Wednesday.
The Serie A side won the round-of-16 first leg 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico but were beaten 3-1 in the return after extra-time, which secured a 4-3 aggregate victory for Sergio Conceicao's side.
Di Francesco took over from Luciano Spalletti in the summer of 2017 after a spectacular run with Sassuolo. He took the minnows up to Serie A and even into the UEFA Europa League, cultivating several talented players along the way.
He never fully seemed to settle in the capital, however. A magical run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2018 largely overshadowed a disappointing domestic campaign, as the Giallorossi finished a distant third behind Juventus and Napoli.
Plenty of turnover followed in the summerâRadja Nainggolan, Alisson Becker and Kevin Strootman were among the departuresâand after a narrow 1-0 win over Torino to start the season, Roma endured a nightmare spell.
A 3-0 loss against Real Madrid in the Champions League didn't come as a surprise, but in Serie A, the Giallorossi performed well under expectations.
Perhaps the worst result came against Bologna, who entered the match having failed to score a single goal only to beat Roma 2-0:
Roma's form did pick up, and the club are fifth in the Serie A table and three points behind Inter Milan in fourth.
However, Saturday's damaging 3-0 defeat to Lazio, coupled with their exit from Europe's top club competition, led to the end of the road for Di Francesco at Roma.
Former Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri is expected to take over the club on a caretaker basis, according to Football Italia. Â
Nicolo Zaniolo Is Tipped as Roma's New Francesco TottiâSo What Happens Next?
Mar 5, 2019
It was late in the summer of 2016 that Nicolo Zaniolo was left in tears. After more than seven years in the Fiorentina youth system, he was told he was going to be released.
"I cried about it for a whole week," he later revealed. It was a testing moment for the 17-year-old, who claims he was told new players were arriving and a deal had been agreed for him to join Virtus Entella.Â
Yet his rise since that day has been nothing short of inspirational.
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Zaniolo has become the new Prince of Romeâthe future of one of Serie A's most famous clubs. He's even being touted by some as being the next Francesco Totti.
Two goals against FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League last 16 first-leg tie have put AS Roma on the brink of progressing to the next stage, and he has been fast-tracked to hero status by the club's supporters.
Now he must try to live up to the hype.
No Room to Grow at Fiorentina
With hindsight, the decision to let Zaniolo leave Fiorentina seems terrible, yet at the time those close to the situation are adamant it did not seem so strange.
Tito Kohout keeps a close eye on the youth prospects as part of his managing editor role at Viola Nation, and told Bleacher Report how the current situation could never have been imagined so soon.Â
"He was a part of some very talented youth teams in Florence and got stuck behind Marco Meli, who's an excellent prospect still working for the Fiorentina Primavera side and is expected to make some waves on loan in Serie A or Serie B next year," Kohout explained.
"Sometimes, the talent evaluators just miss. The bigger problem, though, is that Zaniolo came along at the exact wrong moment, as the evaluation process at Fiorentina was undergoing a major change.
Jun | âď¸ | Signs for Roma July | đ | He turns 19 Aug | đĽ | Italy U19s reach Euro final Sep | đŽđš | First senior Italy call-up Now | đş | Makes debut v. Real Madrid
"Former sporting director Daniele Prade left his post in May 2016 and his replacement Pantaleo Corvino pretty well cleaned house of all his predecessor's players.
"A lot of really talented young players got swept aside. Zaniolo made his first appearance for Fiorentina's U17 side when he was just 14, so it wasn't really a matter of things not working out in a footballing sense. Rather, he just got stuck in what looked like a rather sloppy transfer of power that forced him out. It's funny, too, as he certainly looks like the kind of player Corvino has prized during his second tenure at Fiorentina: tall, lanky, technical and energetic in the press.
"It can be so hard to tell if a 16-year-old is going to become a star; think of how many hyped prospects have crashed and burned as they mature.
"Zaniolo always looked like a talentâbut he seemed like the kind of player whose ceiling wasn't sky-high. It's a real bummer that the club missed on him, but at least it's not as embarrassing as Inter Milan, who gave up him and a pile of money for Radja Nainggolan."
The Inter Milan-Nainggolan Transfer
Zaniolo earned a move to Inter Milan in July 2017 on the back of a breakthrough at Virtus Entella that had seen him overcome his shock at being released by Fiorentina and find his feet as the exciting midfielder he had always had the potential to become.
He did not play a single game for Inter before being moved on to Roma in one of the biggest deals of 2018.
Nainggolan was signed from Roma in a transaction that also saw two Inter players included in the deal. Davide Santon was one, Zaniolo was the other. In truth, neither player earned much of a mention at the time as so much was made of Nainggolan's Rome departure.
Zaniolo's move has proved an absolute masterstroke.Â
David Amoyal is an Italian transfer and football expert working for the site of Gianluca Di Marzio and hosting the CalcioLand podcast.
"Nainggolan's transfer to Inter was one of the most significant transactions in Serie A because it involved a big-name player moving between two clubs who qualified for the Champions League," Amoyal told B/R.
"On the day the transfer became official, most considered it a great deal for Inter since they lacked a midfielder with his characteristics and because he would be reunited with Luciano Spalletti, the manager that got the most out of him on the pitch. Many also assumed this trade would weaken Roma significantly.
"In addition to around âŹ20 million in cash, Roma also received veteran wing back Santon and top prospect Zaniolo.
"While overall the consensus was that Inter got the better end of the deal, someâincluding meâconsidered Nainggolan a player on the decline and an old 30 because of his penchant for drinking and smoking. Roma was eager to get rid of him as they thought he would be a very poor role model for the many young players they wanted to build around.
"Now the deal is viewed very differently and is arguably the best transaction that Monchi made as Romaâs sporting director.
"Nainggolan suffered multiple injuries and Inter suspended him during the first half of the season because he showed up late multiple times at practices. The deal also looks considerably worse because of Zanioloâs brilliant performances for Roma."
Zaniolo was a highly touted prospect, a key player on Inter's youth team, but an impact on Roma's first team so soon has been a surprise.
Compared to Totti but More Similar to Pogba
There is no time to make your club debut quite like a Champions League fixture with Real Madrid.Â
It was September and Zaniolo played 54 minutes in the 3-0 defeat to the current holders. It was not a result that will be remembered fondly, but it did spark Zaniolo's elite career into life.
He has since made two more Champions League starts and an additional 13 in Serie A, playing across midfield as well as on the wing. The fans see him as a player who makes things happen, and believe he is the type of figure the club should be building around for the future.
Last month, after a bad run of results, the team were jeered by their own supportâyet Daniele De Rossi and Zaniolo were spared. A star in their eyes, just what should we expect of him?
"He has been compared to Totti mainly because he plays for Roma," explains Amoyal. "But a much better comparison in my opinion is the version of Paul Pogba we saw when he broke out at Juventus under Antonio Conte.
"They have similar body types and technical ability, despite their height they just glide on the pitch and they play with a lot of confidence."
Italian national team boss Roberto Mancini agrees, telling Gazzetta Dello Sport that he also sees Zaniolo to be more like Pogba.
Whichever comparison you wish to make, the potential is high.
John Solano, editor of Roma Press, is buying into the hype surrounding Zaniolo despite urging caution about comparisons with club legends.Â
"Many supporters have been calling to give him the number 10 shirt after Totti," he said. "I think that is unfair, but I don't think it's entirely wrong to call him one of best attacking prospects the club have had since Totti.
"I do think he will become one of Italy's best players because he has everything you could ask for: physically he's very imposing, his technical ability for a 19-year-old is off the charts, and the level of maturity he exudes on the pitch is something I haven't seen before from someone so young. I do think he will live up to all the praise he's currently receiving."
His Future at AS Roma
With so much praise and clearly so much potential, it is no wonder other clubs are beginning to be linkedâwith Arsenal scouts believed to have been recently impressed.
There have also been reports that he could sign up with super agent Mino Raiola, a move that would have struck fear into the hearts of those Roma fans who want him to stay and become their poster boy.
Solano is adamant their dreams will not be crushed any time soon as Zaniolo establishes himself on the world stage.
"He recently switched agents and is now represented by Claudio Vigorelli, who's also the agent of Roma's Davide Santon and someone they have a strong relationship with," Solano told B/R. "He will undoubtedly sign a new contract once the season is overâhis father, Igor, was interviewed about a week ago by Corriere dello Sport and he said that the parties will meet at the end of the season and there will be no problems in regards to a renewal.
"Given that Roma are more than likely to have a pretty massive restructuring of their wage bill this summer, I do expect them to triple what Zaniolo currently earns, which is about 700,000 euros net."
Alasdair Mackenzie is a football journalist in Rome with a firsthand view of the impact Zaniolo is having on the Italian city.
"He's only 19 but already seems to have maturity beyond his years," Mackenzie explained. "Quite a few Roma fansâand people outside the capital tooâthink they've got the better end of the deal that took him to the club with Nainggolan going the other way. He's already a regular for Roma and it'll be interesting to see if Mancini hands him a start in this month's international break for Italy too.
"The sky appears to be the limit with Zaniolo."
Those Fiorentina tears have long dried, now only time will tell whether Zaniolo can embed himself further in the history books of AS Roma.
