Giuseppe Rossi's powerful message for Zaniolo

Zaniolo, 21, is preparing to undergo surgery to repair a tear of his anterior cruciate ligament suffered on international duty at the start of the week – the second such injury he has suffered in 2020.

Rossi, who now plays his football in Major League Soccer for Real Salt Lake, is perhaps among the few players who can truly sympathise with what Zaniolo is going through right now – as he also suffered extensively with serious injuries during the early part of his career.

The Italian-American never gave up, however, and offered this advice to Zaniolo (when speaking to gianlucadimarzio.com):

“My dear Nicolò, I know all about the pain and emptiness you are feeling during this period. I know you have a thousand questions, questions you will never find an answer to.

“This is where we have to think about what we and our families have done so far. The dreams we had as a kid.

"It’s where we need to remember when we used to close our eyes and dream of seeing ourselves playing in the most beautiful stadiums in the world. And remember all the sacrifices that brought us to playing at the highest levels of world football.

“Remembering all this, you will quickly find you have the courage to bounce back and confront every obstacle put in your way – because there is nothing more beautiful than being out there on the pitch. To feel all those emotions. To do what we love doing more than anything else.

“Stay strong Nicolò, you will bounce back!”