Zaniolo Reveals Mourinho’s Match-Winning Conference League Final Prediction

Nicolò Zaniolo has hailed José Mourinho as a “master”, revealing the former Roma coach overruled his own staff to select him for the Europa Conference League final because he was convinced the Italian would score.

Mourinho’s call before the Conference League final

Zaniolo, now at Udinese, said Mourinho’s influence at Roma extended far beyond tactics. The forward believes the Portuguese coach stood apart through his man-management, match reading and ability to anticipate decisive moments.

• Zaniolo said he was competing with another player for a place in the Conference League final side.
• He said Mourinho’s staff favoured the other option, but the head coach insisted Zaniolo had to start.
• Mourinho told them Zaniolo would score the following day, according to the player.
• The Italian also recalled Mourinho predicting Roma would begin games aggressively, put opponents under pressure and quickly take a 1-0 lead.

“He is special in every aspect,” Zaniolo said of Mourinho. “It is not only about what happens on the pitch, but also his management and his vision of a game.”

Their relationship has continued since both left the Italian capital. Zaniolo said they remain in contact through WhatsApp, with messages going both ways.

He added that Mourinho’s willingness to check on him still matters, particularly given the coach’s experience of working with elite players. Zaniolo said that personal attention underlined Mourinho’s stature as a person as well as a manager.

Premier League dream brought a demanding adjustment

Zaniolo also reflected on his Aston Villa spell after leaving Italy for Turkey. He described the Premier League as football’s equivalent of the NBA and said playing in England had been a long-held ambition.

He initially believed his game would suit the division, and featured regularly early in a campaign that ended with Villa qualifying for the Champions League. But a route into the starting XI became difficult because of the depth available to Unai Emery.

• Zaniolo identified Moussa Diaby, Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and Leon Bailey among the attacking competition at Villa Park.
• He said the level inside the squad was extremely high.
• The forward admitted he needed time to settle, both in football terms and in day-to-day life and culture.
• He also said he missed Italy during his time in England.

Despite not securing a permanent starting place, Zaniolo said the experience broadened him personally and professionally. He highlighted Villa’s 2-0 win over Arsenal, which he started, as one of his major memories.

He said he was proud to have helped Villa return to the Champions League and described the club’s qualification as a significant achievement.

Bernabéu debut remains his standout stadium memory

Zaniolo has played at Anfield, Old Trafford, San Siro and Roma’s Olimpico, but named the Santiago Bernabéu as the ground that has stayed with him most strongly.

His first major official match came in a Real Madrid-Roma fixture at the Bernabéu, an occasion he said he will never forget.

• He praised the Olimpico’s ability to lift Roma, saying its backing can make the side feel as though they begin with an advantage.
• He described Galatasaray’s support as extraordinary, with the noise making communication between nearby team-mates difficult.
• Zaniolo said crowds of 50,000 to 60,000 in Istanbul make each match feel like a Champions League final.

Zaniolo backs Leão’s Galatasaray switch

Zaniolo has also endorsed Rafael Leão’s recent move to Galatasaray, calling the former AC Milan forward a world-class player and one of the strongest wingers in the game.

He believes Galatasaray offer both prestige and Champions League football, while Turkish football is continuing to attract major names.

• Zaniolo pointed to Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sané as examples of high-profile players in Turkey.
• He said Leão made the right choice if the opportunity to play Champions League football with Galatasaray was available.
• Although he has not met Leão personally, Zaniolo said he has always liked him and wished him success.

For Zaniolo, Turkey’s growing profile, passionate stadiums and European ambitions make it a fitting setting for Leão to continue displaying his quality.