Zaniolo under investigation after Roma youth team fight accusations
The FIGC prosecutors office has launched a formal investigation into the alleged events that took place after a Primavera match between Fiorentina and Roma, involving former Italy international and Viola first-team player Nicolo Zaniolo.
Roma published a statement on Monday evening, accusing Zaniolo of entering their team's dressing room and having 'physically struck' two of their players after the Primavera Scudetto play-off semi-final that took place at Viola Park earlier in the day.
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'According to initial reconstructions, the player allegedly entered the Primavera team's dressing room after the match and engaged in provocative behavior towards some of the Giallorossi youth players. During the confrontation, two players from the Primavera squad were reportedly physically struck,' Roma's statement read.
epa11753858 Nicolo Zaniolo of Atalanta (C) scores the 0-2 goal during the Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC, in Rome, Italy, 02 December 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MEO
Fiorentina have also released a statement with Zaniolo's version of events, reading: 'At the end of the match, I went into the locker room to congratulate the Fiorentina lads, then passed through the Roma room to salute and compliment them on their season.
'However, at a certain point they started to insult me, so at that stage, to avoid the situation degenerating, I preferred to simply leave.'
Zaniolo under investigation
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Nicolo' Zaniolo of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Lecce at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 28, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by)
According to reports from multiple outlets, including Sky Sport Italia, the FIGC prosecutors office has already opened an investigation into the events that took place at Viola Park on Monday evening.
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Zaniolo, who spent five years with the Giallorossi himself, could potentially even be heard by Giuseppe Chine as early as Tuesday afternoon according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Tuesday's report claims that if Zaniolo is found to have hit two youth team players as Roma have alleged, then a 'heavy' punishment would be 'inevitable'.
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