Mancini's Italy warning to Zaniolo: Time is ticking by

Italy head coach Roberto Mancini has warned attacking player Nicolò Zaniolo that, with time running short, he must now make the most of the opportunities that come his way with the national team.

Zaniolo has been named in Italy's provisional squad for the crucial Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium. The Azzurri, who collected seven points from their first four group matches, sit second, three points behind leaders France and one point ahead of Belgium.

Zaniolo was also included in Mancini's first squad after the coach returned to the Italy job in September, but was withdrawn because of a thigh injury. The 27-year-old, who also struggled with a hamstring injury at the start of the season, has had limited playing time in the league for Udinese.

Once regarded as one of the greatest talents at Roma and in Italian football, Zaniolo has been capped only 19 times to date, most recently against Ecuador in March 2024. Mancini stressed that the player, who scored both of his senior international goals against Armenia in November 2019, does not have many chances left on the big stage.

Asked what he expects from Zaniolo, Mancini said: "I expect the same from him as I do from everyone: to perform well and to be consistent. Time is ticking by, and he has to start being decisive now. He used to be a young lad, but now he should be a player who makes the difference for the national team."

With an average age of 24 years and 171 days, this Italy squad is also the youngest Mancini has selected across his two spells in charge. The EURO 2020-winning head coach also acknowledged that he lacks the pool of internationally experienced players he had during his first spell:

"In 2018 we had more experienced names. Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Marco Verratti, Jorginho... They were the most experienced. Today, we do not have many experienced players."

Italy host France at San Siro on Thursday in the Nations League.