An unsettling incident reportedly occurred following the recent Primavera (youth league) semi-final between **Fiorentina** and **AS Roma** at Viola Park. **AS Roma** has released a formal statement presenting grave allegations against former club player **Nicolo Zaniolo**, who currently plays for **Fiorentina**.
According to **Roma**`s account, the events unfolded on the evening of May 26. **Zaniolo**, allegedly accompanied by another individual, is accused of entering the **Roma** youth dressing room area without proper authorization or accreditation. One might wonder about the accreditation process for post-match congratulations, but access appears to be a key point for the club.
The club`s statement outlines several serious behaviors attributed to **Zaniolo** during this alleged intrusion:
- Witnesses claim he appeared “visibly intoxicated.”
- He is accused of urinating within the **Roma** facilities. (A peculiar choice of location, if true).
- He reportedly “provoked players.”
- Most critically, **Roma** alleges **Zaniolo** “physically struck” youth player **Mattia Almaviva** and “violently pushed” **Marco Litti** against a bench.
The alleged physical altercation resulted in injuries that required both youth players to be hospitalized. **Mattia Almaviva**`s recovery is reportedly expected to take 10 days, while **Marco Litti**, who had recently undergone shoulder surgery, faces a longer recovery period of 21 days. Serious outcomes from what began, according to **Zaniolo**, as a congratulatory visit.
**Nicolo Zaniolo** has publicly offered a differing account, specifically contesting the accusations of physical assault. He stated that he visited the dressing rooms after the match to congratulate both the Fiorentina and **Roma** teams. However, he claims that upon entering the **Roma** dressing room area, he was met with insults from the players. According to **Zaniolo**, he then chose to leave promptly to prevent the situation from escalating further. His public statement, as reported, did not specifically address the allegations of intoxication or the alleged act of urinating in the facilities, focusing solely on the claimed provocation and his subsequent departure.
**Zaniolo** spent a significant period at **AS Roma** from 2018 to 2023, where he was a prominent figure, before moving to Galatasaray and subsequent loan spells at Aston Villa and Atalanta, culminating in his current position at **Fiorentina**. This history adds a layer of complexity to the alleged confrontation.
**AS Roma** has publicly underscored its full support for its players and expressed a hope that relevant institutions will take appropriate action to ensure accountability and uphold the standards and values integral to Italian football. The full implications and next steps regarding these serious and contested allegations remain subject to ongoing processes and investigations.
Lennox Bray