Zeballos on unexpected Monza move and ‘idol’ Maradona

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated Sep 4, 2026 1:25 PM ET

Exequiel Zeballos had been on the verge of joining Napoli a few weeks ago, but eventually came to Monza from Boca Juniors. ‘My father’s idol is Diego Maradona, plus Leandro Paredes gave me advice.’

The striker was meant to be a sharp signing for Napoli and had already agreed personal terms, but Boca Juniors rejected the proposal worth around €10m plus add-ons.

With his contract set to expire on December 31, the forward instead ended up sealing a surprising deadline day transfer to Serie A minnows Monza.

Zeballos lands for Monza

The cost is believed to be circa €4m for just 60 per cent of his contract, so Boca Juniors retain 40 per cent of the future sale fee.

Zeballos landed in Italy and spoke to reporters at the airport in Milan.

“It all happened so fast, I will speak with coach Ivan Juric today,” said the 24-year-old.

“I wanted to come to Italy because my father’s idol is Maradona.”

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MAY 19: Otavio of Cruzeiro blocks a shot from Exequiel Zeballos of Boca Juniors during a Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 group D match between Boca Juniors and Cruzeiro at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on May 19, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

There was also encouragement from within the Boca Juniors squad when discussing the matter with former Roma and Juventus midfielder Paredes.

“It’s true, Paredes gave me a lot of advice, especially when we were talking about Napoli.”

Wide attacking player Zeballos can work on the left or right, scoring 16 goals with 16 assists in 140 competitive games for Boca Juniors.

He will wear the Number 22 jersey at Monza.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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