Roma accuse Zaniolo of punching two youth players after Fiorentina brawl | OneFootball

Roma have accused Nicolò Zaniolo, on loan at Fiorentina from Galatasaray, of punching two Giallorossi youth team players during a brawl this evening.

The incident allegedly happened after Fiorentina beat Roma at the Viola Park ground during the semi-final of the Primavera youth league Scudetto play-offs.

The club released a formal statement on its website about the situation.

“AS Roma announces that, following today’s match, a regrettable incident occurred involving player Nicolò Zaniolo.

“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 cannot but firmly condemn any form of aggressive conduct or behavior that does not align with the values of sport.”

Zaniolo accused of hitting two Roma teenage players

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – MARCH 24: Nicolo Zaniolo of Italy stands before the first half of the Ecuador v Italy – International Friendly at Red Bull Arena on March 24, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

He was watching from the stands and cheering on his current club as they made their way to the title decider, but there were already problems with Fiorentina fans hurling insults at the Giallorossi.

According to Sportitalia, Zaniolo was not authorised to be in the dressing rooms, but he went in anyway and got into an argument with several Roma players.

The situation degenerated and became physical, with Zaniolo accused of punching two of the teenage Roma players.

Fiorentina then released their own official statement with Zaniolo’s version of events.

“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.”

Zaniolo has tense history with Roma

epa11753858 Nicolo Zaniolo of Atalanta (C) scores the 0-2 goal during the Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC, in Rome, Italy, 02 December 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MEO

He had initially shot to fame at Roma before demanding a transfer in January 2023.

There was a sale to Galatasaray, followed by unsuccessful loan experiences at Aston Villa, Atalanta and Fiorentina, but none of these clubs were prepared to buy him outright.

This season, the 25-year-old made 36 competitive appearances for Atalanta and Fiorentina, contributing three goals and three assists.

After the goal scored against Roma for Atalanta, he was booked for celebrating in an overtly provocative manner.