NICOLO ZANIOLO has sensationally quit the Italy squad for mystery personal reasons ahead of their Nations League showdowns with France and Belgium.

The former Aston Villa loanee, 27, was handed a shock call-up for the first time in two years.

But Zaniolo, who has made seven appearances for Udinese this season, made the shock decision to pull out of the squad.

A brief statement from the Italian FA read: “Nicolo Zaniolo has left the Italy training camp for personal reasons.”

Roberto Mancini, who is in charge for a second time after being reappointed in the summer, wanted to give Zaniolo a chance to reignite his international career.

The ex-Manchester City chief rewarded the attacking midfielder with his first cap in 2019.

And Mancini, 61, tasked Zaniolo with becoming a constant threat after being ignored by predecessor Gennaro Gattuso.

The Premier League title winner said: “I expect the same thing as I do from everyone else – to perform well and be consistent.

“He must start being decisive because time passes by. He used to be a kid, and now he should be a player who makes a difference for the national team.”

But 19-cap Zaniolo has returned to Serie A strugglers Udinese after making himself unavailable for clashes with France and Belgium.

The playmaker will now focus on his side’s trip to Bologna on November 22.

Zaniolo joined Villa on a season-long loan deal from Turkish giants Galatasaray in 2023.

But the Italian was not signed permanently after only notching three goals in 39 appearances.

And Zaniolo went on to make further temporary moves to Atalanta and Fiorentina before eventually heading to Udinese.

The forgotten Premier League star last appeared for Italy when he started a friendly win over Ecuador in March 2024.

Zaniolo was not the only surprise inclusion in the Azzurri’s squad as Mancini called up Como wonderkid Riccardo Cassano despite the teenager still waiting to make his senior debut.