Italy coach Luciano Spalletti is concerned about his star midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Italian has not played from the start in a Premier League match since December 3.

He has become out of favor with Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, with the 24-year-old only starting seven league games this term.

Zaniolo is on loan at Viola from Galatasaray, with Spalletti stating last month: "Zaniolo, his first part of the season was not being consistent.

“But after speaking with him and after the circumstances he had before, I think in the second half of the season he is going to really help us."

La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Spalletti is concerned that Zaniolo's situation has not improved.