Explosive Incident Mars Youth League Semi-Final
Fiorentina winger Nicolo Zaniolo is under fire after AS Roma accused him of assaulting two of their youth players in a shocking post-match altercation. The incident occurred on May 26, following Fiorentina’s 2-1 victory over Roma in the Primavera youth league semi-final at Viola Park.
According to Roma’s official statement, Zaniolo—who was watching from the stands—reportedly entered the Roma locker room without accreditation, accompanied by an acquaintance. Witnesses claim the Italian international appeared agitated, urinated in the facilities, and physically attacked two Roma youngsters: Mattia Almaviva (10-day injury prognosis) and Marco Litti (21-day prognosis), the latter of whom was recovering from shoulder surgery.
Zaniolo’s Defense: Provocation and Apology
The 24-year-old, currently on loan from Galatasaray, denied the assault allegations but admitted to losing his temper after being “verbally provoked.” In a statement released by Fiorentina, Zaniolo claimed he entered the locker room to congratulate both teams but was met with insults.
On Instagram, he later apologized:
“I reacted badly, and I take full responsibility… I was verbally provoked, and mistakenly, I lost my temper. However, there was no physical aggression.”
Despite his explanation, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has launched an investigation, which could result in a lengthy suspension—a major setback for a player once hailed as Italy’s next superstar.
Career Crossroads: From Promise to Controversy
Zaniolo’s career has been a rollercoaster. After winning Serie A’s Young Player of the Year in 2019, injuries derailed his progress. A metatarsal fracture ruled him out of Euro 2024 while on loan at Aston Villa, and he hasn’t featured for Italy since.
Now, this scandal threatens his reputation further. As Six6s football analyst Marco Ferrara notes:
“Zaniolo has the talent but needs maturity. This incident could cost him crucial opportunities, especially with Euro 2024 qualifiers approaching.”
What’s Next?
With FIGC’s investigation underway, Zaniolo’s future hangs in the balance. Will he rebound, or will this mark another downfall for the troubled star? Stay tuned to Six6s for the latest updates.
Key Takeaways:
- Zaniolo accused of assaulting Roma youth players post-match.
- FIGC investigating; potential lengthy ban looms.
- Once Italy’s golden boy, injuries and controversies now define his career.
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Zaniolo’s struggles continue after Euro 2024 injury heartbreak
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