A surprising incident involving former Roma midfielder Nicolò Zaniolo has stirred controversy in Italian football.
The 25-year-old, currently on loan at Fiorentina from Galatasaray, allegedly clashed with players from Roma’s youth team following a match in the Italian Youth League semifinals between Fiorentina and Roma, Idman.biz reports.
According to Sportitalia, Zaniolo entered Roma’s dressing room after the game and got into a heated argument with several players. The situation reportedly escalated into a physical altercation, with the midfielder accused of striking two players.
In an official statement, Roma responded:
“Initial reports indicate that after the match, Zaniolo entered the team’s dressing room and displayed provocative behavior toward several members of our youth squad. During the confrontation, two players sustained physical contact. Roma strongly condemns any form of aggression that contradicts the values and respect that should prevail in sport.”
Zaniolo, however, offered a different account of the incident. He claimed he entered the dressing room simply to greet the players but was insulted.
Fiorentina later released a statement quoting Zaniolo’s version:
“After the match, I went to the Fiorentina dressing room to congratulate my teammates. I then stopped by Roma’s dressing room to greet them and wish them well at the end of the season. Unexpectedly, I was met with insults. To avoid further tension, I decided to leave immediately.”
The incident is still under review as both clubs stand by their respective statements.
Idman.biz
