Nicolo Zaniolo Under Fire for Controversial Conduct After Youth Match Incident

Nicolo Zaniolo is making headlines again, but this time not for his performance on the pitch. The Fiorentina midfielder, currently on loan from Galatasaray, is under scrutiny after a disturbing incident involving AS Roma's youth players following a Primavera semifinal match between Fiorentina and AS Roma.

What should have been a showcase of young talent instead turned into controversy due to Zaniolo’s alleged misconduct. According to reports from AS Roma, the incident occurred on the night of May 26 at Viola Park.

Zaniolo reportedly entered the Roma dressing room without permission and without proper accreditation. He was allegedly intoxicated, displayed inappropriate behavior, and even assaulted two Roma youth players—Mattia Almaviva and Marco Litti—both of whom required hospital treatment.

Roma officials described the event as deeply troubling and a serious violation of ethical and sporting standards.   

Read More: https://www.esnnews.com/post/jack-grealish-napoli-transfer-rumor-summer-2025 Eyewitnesses told Football Italia that Zaniolo urinated in the Roma facilities, provoked the players, and assaulted them physically.

Almaviva was punched while Litti was pushed into the bench, resulting in a shoulder injury that required surgery. Medical evaluations later confirmed that Almaviva would need 10 days to recover, while Litti faced a longer 21-day recovery period.

AS Roma has expressed strong condemnation of Zaniolo’s actions, calling for strict disciplinary action from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The club emphasized its full support for the injured players and urged the football authorities to act decisively to uphold the integrity of the sport.

The investigation is currently underway, and Zaniolo could face a lengthy ban if found guilty. In response to the backlash, Zaniolo issued a public apology via Instagram Stories, admitting he overreacted but denying any physical aggression.

He claimed that he had been verbally provoked by one of the Roma players and lost his temper, calling it a regrettable lapse in judgment. “It was never my intention to disrespect anyone,” he wrote, while expressing a desire to move forward with humility.

Read More: https://www.esnnews.com/post/al-hilal-transfer-bruno-fernandes-record-offer The incident has sparked wider debates within Italian football about player conduct and the responsibilities of professionals to set a good example for younger athletes.

As the FIGC reviews the case, all eyes are now on what disciplinary actions may follow and whether Zaniolo’s apology will be enough to repair the damage to his reputation and career.