Zaniolo denies Roma accusations in dressing room incident | OneFootball

Nicolò Zaniolo insists he didn’t hit Roma Primavera players and explains the Giallorossi restroom was ‘the first one’ he found and was given permission to enter.

Roma have accused Fiorentina striker Zaniolo of urinating in their locker room and hospitalising two youth team players on Monday, after a Primavera game between Fiorentina and Roma.

“This time I don’t accept it. When I’ve made mistakes, I’ve always taken responsibility and accepted the punishments and suspensions. In this case, I can’t be portrayed as someone who starts fights or lays hands on a kid,” Zaniolo told Corriere dello Sport.

The former Roma and Atalanta striker had already apologised via Instagram on Tuesday, but Roma released a new statement after that, saying that Zaniolo ‘appeared visibly intoxicated’ and ‘urinated in Roma facilities, provoked players, and, without verbal exchange, physically struck Mattia Almaviva and violently pushed Marco Litti against a bench.’

However, Zaniolo explained in his interview: “I know I reacted badly, and I take responsibility for that. I want to be very honest. I needed to use the restroom, and the first one I found was in the Roma dressing room.

Zaniolo explains dressing room incident

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – MARCH 24: Serie A linked Nicolo Zaniolo of Aston Villa and Italy reacts during the first half of the International Friendly between Ecuador and Italy at Red Bull Arena on March 24, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

“I asked for permission to enter and they welcomed me with a smile. They said: ‘What, do you even need to ask?’ I gave the boys high-fives and said, ‘Well done.’ When I was coming out of the bathroom, one loudly provoked me, and when I asked if he was talking to me, he came closer. I lost my temper, but I didn’t hit him.

“It’s a mistake that weighs on me, especially because I know I must be a role model for young people. I want to make it clear that what happened is far from what’s being claimed, aside from a verbal argument, there was no aggressive behaviour on my part.”

The FIGC Prosecutor could hear the Italy international in the coming days, while Fiorentina are not expected to make his move permanent. This means Zaniolo will return to Galatasaray.

VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Nicolo Zaniolo of Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between Verona and Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 23, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“Were there harsh words exchanged with a Roma kid? Yes. Did he provoke me? Yes. I asked for permission to enter the locker room, and I never raised a hand on anyone,” he continued.

“No slap or, let alone, punches. I repeat that when I make mistakes, I take responsibility, but not this time. I have a clear conscience. I have no problem speaking with the federal prosecutor or with the boy involved, to whom I merely placed a hand on the shoulder because the tone of the conversation was unpleasant.

“What was inappropriate was the behaviour of some adults who went from asking for autographs to insulting. What hurts the most is the lack of respect shown towards a fellow professional, older than the boy, who clearly didn’t like my presence in the dressing room.

“I’m almost 26, I’ve changed. That version of Zaniolo no longer exists, and Atalanta is well aware of it. Maybe, years ago, a real fight would have broken out, but one grows up, thank God. Today, I can stand my ground with words.”

Zaniolo spent the first part of the 2025-26 campaign at Atalanta, but left Bergamo for Fiorentina in the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old terminated the campaign with three goals and three assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.