The former Aston Villa player denied a physical attack following a reported altercation as a Rome under 20-year-old team.
One offfield incident has been attracting a lot of attention in Italy as the summer transfer window is coming soon and tensions rise after the 2024/25 season ended in the Premier League on Sunday.
Nicolo Zaniolo, currently on loan at Fiorentina from Galatasaray, is said to have entered the dressing room of the Rome Primavera team following a 2-1 defeat on Monday.
According to the club’s statement, “The player is said to have entered the dressing room…and showed provocative behavior… It is said that two players on the Primavera team were physically assaulted.”
The 25-year-old later denied the more serious allegations and went to Instagram to clarify his side of the story.
“I went there with the sole intention of giving a positive message.” He said.
“Unfortunately, I was verbally provoked by a boy and accidentally lost my temper. But… there was no physically aggressive behavior.”
Nicolo Zaniolo admits regret but disputes the severity
Italian International has been added: “I want to apologise from the bottom of my heart… I have responded so badly and I know I’m responsible for it.”
Zaniolo, who appeared on the side of UNAI Emery 39 times in the 2023/24 campaign and claimed he had no regrets about representing the club, joined Fiorentina to rekindle his international hopes ahead of his potential return to the international team.
He was eager to return to play Italian football, but the incident may complicate international ambitions.
As reported by Irish Independents, there are currently no confirmation of disciplinary action, but the situation is being monitored closely.
Zaniolo’s loan spell in Florence was quite successful, but it has yet to be seen whether this latest controversy will affect Fiorentina’s willingness to pursue a permanent deal.