Former Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo has been accused of violent and provocative behavior towards Roma’s youth players following a heated Italian Primavera semi-final clash between Roma and Fiorentina’s Under-20 sides.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday evening at Viola Park, shortly after Fiorentina’s Under-20 team secured a victory over Roma’s youth side to reach the Primavera final. Zaniolo, currently on loan at Fiorentina from Galatasaray, was present at the match and is said to have entered the Roma dressing room post-match without proper accreditation.
According to a statement issued by Roma, the 25-year-old Italian international displayed provocative behavior and physically assaulted two of their players. “Zaniolo entered the dressing room, visibly intoxicated, and urinated in club facilities,” the statement read. “He then provoked several players and, without verbal exchange, physically struck Mattia Almaviva and violently shoved Marco Litti against a bench.”
Roma confirmed that both Almaviva and Litti required medical attention following the alleged altercation. Almaviva was reportedly given a 10-day recovery period, while Litti, who had recently undergone shoulder surgery, is expected to be sidelined for at least 21 days. Both players were hospitalized.
The club strongly condemned Zaniolo’s alleged conduct. “AS Roma stands firmly by its youth players and is appalled by the violent and unjustifiable behavior witnessed at Viola Park,” the club said. “We trust that the institutions will act decisively to ensure accountability and protect the values of Italian football.”
In response to the allegations, Fiorentina released a statement from Zaniolo, who denied any physical aggression. “At the end of the match, I went to the Fiorentina locker room to congratulate the boys and then to Roma’s to acknowledge their season,” said Zaniolo. “At a certain point, they started insulting me, so I preferred to leave to avoid further escalation.”
Zaniolo also posted a personal statement on social media, claiming that the events had been “reconstructed inaccurately.” He admitted to losing his temper after being verbally provoked by one of the players but denied engaging in any physical altercation.
“There was no physically aggressive behavior,” he stated. “Unfortunately, I was verbally provoked and, mistakenly, I lost my temper. I apologize. As a man, an athlete, and someone who loves this game, I only want to move forward with humility.”
Zaniolo’s checkered career has often drawn headlines for both on-field talent and off-field drama. After famously scoring the winning goal in Roma’s 2022 UEFA Conference League triumph, the midfielder departed the club in 2023 amid reports of a strained relationship with management. He joined Galatasaray in Turkey before returning to Italy on loan spells with Atalanta and now Fiorentina.
This latest controversy casts a shadow over Zaniolo’s future and raises questions about his conduct and temperament. Authorities in Italy are expected to review the matter and determine whether disciplinary or legal action is warranted. No formal charges have been filed yet.
Both Fiorentina and Roma are cooperating with the Italian football federation and disciplinary committees as investigations proceed. Meanwhile, calls from within the Italian football community for strong and swift action continue to grow, with many emphasizing the need to protect young players from undue harm—physical or psychological.
For now, Zaniolo remains with Fiorentina, though it remains unclear how this incident might impact his future in Italian football.
