Nicolò Zaniolo, currently on loan at Fiorentina from Galatasaray, is at the center of a shocking controversy.
The former Roma star has been accused of punching two Roma youth players following a heated post-match moment in the dressing room.
The incident allegedly took place after Fiorentina’s youth team defeated Roma in the semi-final of the Primavera Scudetto playoffs at Viola Park on Monday, May 26.
Zaniolo, who was watching the match from the stands, had been cheering for his current club.
However, things reportedly took a wrong turn after the final whistle.
According to AS Roma, “a regrettable incident occurred involving player Nicolò Zaniolo.”
Their official statement added, “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.”
The club strongly denounced the alleged actions, stating, “AS Roma cannot but firmly condemn any form of aggressive conduct or behavior that does not align with the values of sport.”
The term “aggressive conduct” has sparked concern online, especially given Zaniolo’s history with the club.
Sportitalia revealed that Zaniolo was not authorized to enter the dressing room.
Nonetheless, he allegedly went inside, where tensions quickly rose.
An argument reportedly followed, leading to a physical confrontation where two Roma teenagers were said to have been punched.
Meanwhile, Fiorentina released a different version of events.
In his defense, Zaniolo responded through Fiorentina’s official channels: “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.
However, at a certain point they started to insult me, so at that stage, to avoid the situation degenerating, I preferred to simply leave.”
After bursting onto the scene with Roma and earning the Serie A Young Player of the Year award in 2018-19, Zaniolo’s career has been marked by highs and lows.
He pushed for a transfer in January 2023, which led to his move to Galatasaray.
Short loan stints followed at Aston Villa, Atalanta, and now Fiorentina yet no club has opted to make his stay permanent.
Interestingly, Zaniolo began his career in Fiorentina’s youth ranks before being released.
He then played for Virtus Entella and Inter Milan before making his name at Roma.
This recent drama has once again drawn public attention to his off-pitch conduct.
While investigations are still ongoing, both clubs have made their stances clear.
Fiorentina is standing by Zaniolo’s version for now, while Roma has openly condemned the act.
