Zaniolo set for first matchday involvement since Aston Villa injury

Italy international Nicolo Zaniolo is set to be involved in matchday action for the first time since he suffered an injury to his foot towards the end of his loan spell in the Premier League with Aston Villa last season.

Zaniolo returns from Aston Villa injury

Zaniolo, who will wear Atalanta’s no.10 shirt this season, is part of Gian Piero Gasperini’s travelling squad to face Torino in Serie A on Sunday.

The 25-year-old was ruled out of EURO 2024 after suffering a microfracture in his foot in an unfortunate cameo appearance for Aston Villa in a 3-3 draw with Liverpool back in May.

It has taken him most of the summer to recover from that blow. He was not part of the matchday squad for the 4-0 win over Lecce in the opening round of Serie A fixtures last weekend, nor was he for the UEFA Super Cup loss to Real Madrid in the week before.

Zaniolo could still technically be left out of Gasperini’s matchday squad for Torino this weekend, but it has been confirmed that he has travelled and will be there in the stadium with his teammates at the very least.