Nicolo Zaniolo is not included in Roma’s squad to face SPAL, with coach Paulo Fonseca insisting ‘he is injured, that’s it. There is no other issue’.
Zaniolo is still nursing a calf injury according to official sources, but Fonseca singled him out for criticism after Roma’s 2-1 win at Verona last week.
Nicolo Zaniolo is not included in Roma’s squad to face SPAL, with coach Paulo Fonseca insisting ‘he is injured, that’s it. There is no other issue’.
Zaniolo is still nursing a calf injury according to official sources, but Fonseca singled him out for criticism after Roma’s 2-1 win at Verona last week.
Amidst speculation of a feud between the pair, the attacking midfielder’s agent plans to meet club CEO Guido Fienga for ‘clarity’ on the situation.
“He’s still not quite fit and he won’t be in the squad,” Fonseca said before the trip to SPAL in Serie A tomorrow.
“However, I want to say that it’s not right some of the things that are being written about Zaniolo.
“Those that know me know that I always speak the truth, as I have done in the past with other players. Some stories just aren’t true.
“There’s no issue with Zaniolo; if I say that I spoke with him and that there are no issues then that is the truth.
“When there is a problem I will say it. Right now he is injured, that’s it. There is no other issue.”
The Portuguese also commented on Lorenzo Pellegrini, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Leonardo Spinazzola, whose mistake gifted Inter a 2-2 draw in the Giallorossi’s previous game.
“These are things that can happen during a game. Spinazzola is in good form, he’s played in most of the games and he’s done well. It was not an error of organisation or placement, it was just bad luck.
“[Mkhitaryan and Pellegrini] are tired, we will see tomorrow if they start the game. They are both playing really well right now.
“I don’t agree with the criticism directed at Lorenzo. We can’t forget that he has been injured a few times this season, or how hard he works for the team.
“I have complete faith in him and I don’t think it’s fair some of the things being said about him.
“He’s a Roma fan, he is as passionate about the team as anyone and you see that on the pitch; he runs a lot, he works so hard for his teammates. He is incredibly important for us.”