No Zaniolo in Mourinho’s Roma team to face Napoli

Zaniolo is set for a legal battle with AS Roma

SERIE A No Zaniolo in Mourinho’s Roma team to face Napoli

Joba Ogunwale 20:56 - 28.01.2023

The Italy international will play no part in Roma’s game for the foreseeable future, Mourinho has confirmed.

Mourinho has said that Nicolo Zaniolo will not play a part in AS Roma’s clash against Napoli on Sunday. 

Roma take on runaway leaders Napoli in their Serie A clash at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. 

Zaniolo wants out

But there will be no room for Zaniolo as the Italian asked to be left out of the squad. Zaniolo is unhappy at Roma and has asked to leave the club this month. 

Nicolo Zaniolo has asked to leave Roma.

AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur were interested in his services but their offer fell way short of Roma’s valuation. 

Bournemouth have also been credited with an interest, with the Cherries making an acceptable offer to Roma. 

But surprisingly, Zaniolo rejected Bournemouth’s terms as he is only interested in signing for a top club in Europe. 

Still, the 23-year-old Italy international is unwilling to play for Roma again, which has led to Mourinho’s decision to freeze him out of the squad. 

Zaniolo out as Mourinho reveals Roma side to face Napoli

Speaking ahead of his side’s trip to Naples, Mourinho confirmed Zaniolo’s absence, saying he would only call players who are willing and available to play for the club. 

Mourinho confirmed Zaniolo will not be in Roma's squad tomorrow

”Zaniolo has told everyone that he no longer wants to wear the Roma shirt. I'm focused on the group that wants to fight for this shirt and Nicolò isn't in it,” Mourinho said at his press conference. 

While Zaniolo will play no further part for Roma this season, Mourinho revealed his starting XI for tomorrow’s big clash against Napoli. He confirmed the team would be the same as the side that beat Spezia except for Celik, who is suspended for the encounter. 

"The team tomorrow will have Zalewski on the right and Spinazzola on the left. The usual three centre-backs. Cristante, Matic and Pellegrini in midfield ... Tammy and Dybala in attack, Mourinho said. 

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Roma are currently fifth in the league level on points with fourth-placed Lazio. A win for Mourinho’s men tomorrow will keep them on course for Champions League qualification. 

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