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#3 A real baptism of fire for Nicolo Zaniolo
Nicolo Zaniolo, who joined Roma from Inter in the summer, made his senior professional debut at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid on the night as Roma succumbed to a defeat at the hands of the European champions. The 19-year-old, who is being touted as a player beyond his age by everyone at the club, was forced to deal with the high standards set by an elite club such as Real Madrid as he flattered to deceive on debut.
The Bernabeu can be an intimidating or an inspiring venue for newcomers and it certainly felt like Zaniolo was fazed by the occasion and the magnitude of the opposition albeit receiving very little supporter from his colleagues, who were equally ineffective against a well-drilled unit.
Zaniolo still has a long way to go in his career and he will only learn more and get better with time but it is safe to say that he will never forget his baptism at the highest level in senior football against possibly the best team on the planet.
