Mancini hints at Zaniolo debut

Zaniolo, 19, is one of four Giallorossi players who have been called up for Italy's squad - along with Bryan Cristante, Alessandro Florenzi and Stephan El Shaarawy.

The youngster has been named in the senior squad before but is still to make his first appearance for Italy - although Mancini has now suggested that moment could be very close.

Italy face Finland in Udine on Saturday and then Liechtenstein in Parma on Tuesday, as qualification for next summer's European Championship gets underway.

"As I've said before, we have talented [young] players and if they play then they will only improve," Mancini said on Monday.

"They need to continue doing what they are doing.

"Zaniolo has come on a lot, and for that Eusebio Di Francesco deserves a lot of credit. He always showed faith in Zaniolo and he always did well.

"With young players, they are always going to have ups and downs - but he has quality and is ready to make his debut."