Nicolo Zaniolo has insisted he has not committed ‘any violent acts’ but admitted he did not act in ‘the most appropriate way’ after being accused of hospitalising two youth players in a dressing room brawl.
Roma initially brought the alleged incident to light shortly after their Primavera championship semi-final against Fiorentina – the club that Zaniolo spent last season on loan at from Turkish side Galatasaray.
After Fiorentina claimed a 2-1 victory to book their place in the final of the youth team competition, Zaniolo is said to have gone to Roma’s locker room.
The Italian, who made 128 appearances for Roma between 2018 and 2023, took to Instagram to address the matter, protest his innocence, while apologising for failing to conduct himself in a manner befitting someone of his level of seniority.
‘Obviously I cannot go into the merits of the explanations I have provided regarding the dynamics of the events, which I believe to be conclusive,’ he wrote.
‘I reiterate that I have not committed any aggressive or violent acts against anyone, but that I was the target of unjustified insults and provocations by some AS Roma members; nevertheless, I recognize that I did not react in the most appropriate way given my role and experience.
Nicolo Zaniolo (pictured) was accused of hospitalising two of Roma’s youth team players last month
Zaniolo made 128 appearances for Roma between 2018 and 2023 – before leaving the club
‘I have always believed in the values of sport and in the importance of providing young people with positive role models: I am sorry that I have failed in this responsibility and I promise to treasure this unpleasant experience for the future.’
In a statement last month, alleged that Zaniolo ‘engaged in provocative behaviour’ and physically struck two of their players.
They later doubled down on the claim and provided details on the alleged altercation, with the club accusing Zaniolo of being ‘visibly intoxicated’ and urinating on their property.
Roma’s statement read: ‘On the evening of May 26, following the Primavera semi-final match Fiorentina vs AS Roma at Viola Park, Nicolo Zaniolo (Fiorentina first team) unlawfully entered the Roma dressing room area accompanied by an associate, despite lacking accreditation.
Witnesses report Zaniolo appeared visibly intoxicated. He urinated in Roma facilities, provoked players, and, without verbal exchange, physically struck Mattia Almaviva and violently pushed Marco Litti against a bench.
‘Litti had recently undergone shoulder surgery. Both players required hospitalization: Almaviva received a 10-day recovery prognosis, Litti 21 days.
‘AS Roma stands firmly by its youth players and is appalled by the violent and unjustifiable behavior witnessed at Viola Park.
‘We trust that the institutions will act decisively to ensure accountability and protect the values of Italian football.’
Zaniolo spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Aston Villa, and is now on loan at Fiorentina
The FIGC – Italy’s football federation – launched an investigation, which could see Zaniolo handed a lengthy ban if found guilty of any wrongdoing.
Zaniolo, who spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Aston Villa, denied the allegations made against him after Roma’s statement.
He has now revealed that he has given evidence to federal prosecutors in the case.
