Former Milan Boss Supports Zaniolo's Atalanta Switch For Italy's Future

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Alessandro Costacurta expressed confidence in Nicolo Zaniolo's potential to excel at Atalanta, suggesting his resurgence could be vital for Italy's national team. Zaniolo, who was on loan at Aston Villa last season, has now joined the Europa League champions with a permanent move from Galatasaray. The 25-year-old played 40 matches under Unai Emery but started only 13, accumulating just 830 minutes in the Premier League.

Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta's manager, previously revitalised Gianluca Scamacca after his challenging stint at West Ham. Costacurta believes Gasperini could similarly rejuvenate Zaniolo's career. "Zaniolo is an intriguing pick for Gasperini," Costacurta remarked. "If he's able to revamp Zaniolo's career as he did with Scamacca, he will deserve the Coach of the Century award."

Zaniolo's standout performance for Aston Villa came during their 2-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, where he played on the left side of midfield. Former Milan coach Costacurta hopes that Zaniolo will excel with his new team this season and subsequently benefit the Azzurri on the international stage.

Costacurta told Tuttosport: "I support Zaniolo because he is an Italian guy who has returned home and because we need a talent who can lead the national team." This sentiment underscores the importance of nurturing domestic talent for Italy's future football success.

Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) July 16, 2024

The upcoming fixtures for Atalanta include a UEFA Super Cup match against Real Madrid on August 14 and their Serie A opener away to Torino on August 25. These games will be crucial for assessing Zaniolo's impact on his new team.

Zaniolo’s return to Italy marks a significant step in his career after limited opportunities in England. His ability to adapt and perform well under Gasperini’s guidance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

The anticipation surrounding Zaniolo’s performance at Atalanta reflects broader hopes for Italy’s football future. His success could inspire other Italian players abroad to return and contribute to domestic leagues and the national team.