Inler: Zaniolo getting where Italy need, Vardy a ‘crazy, hyperactive, leader’

Udinese director Gökhan Inler feels Nicolò Zaniolo is on the right path towards a return to the Italy national team and describes his former Leicester City teammate Jamie Vardy as a ‘crazy guy’ and ‘ great leader.’

Udinese director Inler believes Italy should give Zaniolo another chance in 2026, when the Azzurri will play in the World Cup play-off.

“Before Nicolo came to us, we had a conversation with him and the coach together to convince him to join the project. He also said he wanted to rebuild his career as he had some issues with injuries,” Inler told the Italian Football Podcast.

“He believes that he can give something back to the national team. Since he came here, he has worked really hard, he is working really hard. He is an emotional guy, he needs this, but he is really working really hard. So far, very positive guy.

“He is also a very strong player. You also saw him in England; he has quality. And of course, in my opinion, now that he is scoring goals, he is really getting there where the national team needs him. I think the next call-up, the national team should call him.”

Udinese signed Zaniolo on loan with an option to buy from Galatasaray last summer, and the Italian has scored four goals in 12 Serie A appearances with Udinese this season.

Another Udinese player, Oumar Solet, is delivering convincing performances in Udine, attracting interest from top clubs, according to reports.

“Oumar is an amazing player. He has already experienced the Champions League. He is a great personality. On the pitch, you see he can change the game himself,” Inler said.

“You remember that goal against Inter where he started driving the ball from behind, he started and he shot. He is really an important transfer for us. Let’s say we were a bit lucky when we signed him. He had some issues. We prepared him for some months here at Udine to get fit.

“It was not easy, four months of training without playing in a competition. I remember his first game, it was, I think, in January, his first game was against Verona, from 0 to 100, and after this game, all of Serie A was talking about him.

“That’s why I think we did a great job mentally and also physically. I hope he stays with us for a long time, but of course, as I said before, great players always have opportunities; however, we are here to build a great Udinese.”

A former Switzerland international, Inler won the Premier League title with Leicester City in 2015-16, playing alongside Vardy, now at Cremonese.

“Jamie is amazing. Crazy guy, he knows that but he really is a great leader, respectful. Also, a great teammate, working a lot in this period for the dressing room,” Inler said.

“We went to his house for the celebration [when we won the Premier League]. Jamie was a crazy guy yes, RedBull before games, he was hyperactive, jumping left and right, shooting balls in the dressing room. In Italy, you never see this, music at high volume, it was like a disco [laughs].

“But in the games, you saw, he explodes, he runs left, right, shoots everywhere. Also, now, I met him with Cremonese. He is still the same. You saw he scored two goals against Bologna last week. 

“Also, he had difficulties before he became a champion. He respected the rules, he made a great career. We are still in touch, he is a great player, and I am proud to have played with a nice and crazy guy.”