May 29 – Former AS Roma midfielder Nicolò Zaniolo, currently on loan at Fiorentina from Galatasaray, has been accused by his former club of assaulting two youth players and urinating in their facilities following a heated Primavera play–off match.
The alleged incident occurred after Fiorentina defeated Roma in the youth league title play-off semifinal at Viola Park on Monday. The 25-year-old Italian international was watching from the stands when the confrontation reportedly took place.
Roma issued a detailed statement on Tuesday outlining serious accusations against Zaniolo:
“On the evening of May 26, following the Primavera semi-final match Fiorentina vs AS Roma at Viola Park, Nicolò Zaniolo unlawfully entered the Roma dressing room area accompanied by an associate, despite lacking accreditation.
“Witnesses report Zaniolo appeared visibly intoxicated. He urinated in Roma facilities, provoked players, and, without verbal exchange, physically struck Mattia Almaviva and violently pushed Marco Litti against a bench.
“AS Roma stands firmly by its youth players and is appalled by the violent and unjustifiable behaviour witnessed at Viola Park. We trust that the institutions will act decisively to ensure accountability and protect the values of Italian football.”
The statement added that Litti had recently undergone shoulder surgery, making the alleged assault particularly concerning. Both players required hospitalisation, with Almaviva receiving a 10-day recovery prognosis and Litti facing 21 days of treatment.
Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport reported Zaniolo’s initial response to the incident: “When I passed the boys I gave them a high five and said well done. When I came out of the bathroom, one of these boys provoked me in a loud voice and when I asked him if it was really me he was referring to, he approached me. I lost my temper but I didn’t hit him.
“It’s a mistake that weighs on me, especially because I know I have to be an example for the younger ones. However, I want to point out that the facts are far from what has been reconstructed and that on my part, apart from a verbal argument, there was no aggressive behaviour.”
Zaniolo, a 19-cap Italian international, also denied the allegations via an Instagram post, in which he acknowledged some wrongdoing.
“I went there with the only intention of giving a positive message,” he insisted. “Unfortunately, I was verbally provoked by a boy and, mistakenly, I lost my temper. However, I would like to point out that the facts are far removed from what has been reconstructed and that on my part, apart from a verbal argument, there was no physically aggressive behaviour.”
He concluded with an apology: “I want to apologise from the bottom of my heart for what happened yesterday. I know I reacted badly and I take responsibility for it.”
Zaniolo was once considered among Italy’s most promising young talents, but his career has been significantly impacted by a series of serious injuries. The midfielder has struggled to recapture his early form, moving between clubs as he attempts to rebuild his reputation both on and off the pitch.
The incident represents another setback for a player whose career has been marked by unfulfilled potential and controversy.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1748597896labto1748597896ofdlr1748597896owedi1748597896sni@r1748597896etsbe1748597896w.kci1748597896n1748597896