Zaniolo Accused of Hitting Youth Players in Roma Dressing Room
Zaniolo Accused of Attacking Roma Youth Players After Heated Dressing Room Incident
Nicolò Zaniolo, currently on loan at Fiorentina from Galatasaray, is at the center of controversy after being accused by his former club AS Roma of physically assaulting two youth team players during a post-match altercation.
The incident allegedly occurred on Monday, May 26, following Fiorentina’s victory over Roma at the Viola Park ground in the semi-finals of the Primavera Scudetto play-offs.
After the match, Zaniolo reportedly entered Roma’s youth team dressing room without authorization and engaged in what the club described as “provocative behavior.”
According to a statement published on Roma’s official website, Zaniolo’s actions led to a confrontation during which two of their young players were allegedly struck.
“AS Roma announces that, following today’s match, a regrettable incident occurred involving player Nicolò Zaniolo,” the statement read.
“According to initial reconstructions, the player allegedly entered the Primavera team’s dressing room after the match and engaged in provocative behavior towards some of the Giallorossi youth players.
During the confrontation, two players from the Primavera squad were reportedly physically struck.
AS Roma firmly condemns any form of aggressive conduct or behavior that does not align with the values of sport.”
Zaniolo had been watching the match from the stands, supporting Fiorentina, but tensions were already high, with fans of the home side reportedly shouting insults at Roma players.
Italian sports outlet Sportitalia reported that Zaniolo entered the dressing rooms uninvited and that the confrontation quickly escalated into a physical altercation.
Roma has called for accountability and an investigation into the matter.
Fiorentina responded with a statement of their own, sharing Zaniolo’s version of events. The midfielder admitted to entering both dressing rooms but denied initiating any aggression.
“At the end of the match, I went into the locker room to congratulate the Fiorentina lads, then passed through the Roma room to salute and compliment them on their season,” Zaniolo explained.
“However, at a certain point they started to insult me, so at that stage, to avoid the situation degenerating, I preferred to simply leave.”
The incident has sparked backlash and calls for disciplinary action, though it remains unclear if either club or the league will take formal steps in response.
Zaniolo Accused of Hitting Youth Players in Roma Dressing Room