Nicolò Zaniolo insists he didn’t hit Roma Primavera gamers and explains the Giallorossi restroom was ‘the primary one’ he discovered and was given permission to enter.
Roma have accused Fiorentina striker Zaniolo of of their locker room and hospitalising two youth crew gamers on Monday, after a Primavera recreation between Fiorentina and Roma.
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“This time I don’t settle for it. After I’ve made errors, I’ve all the time taken accountability and accepted the punishments and suspensions. On this case, I can’t be portrayed as somebody who begins fights or lays fingers on a child,” Zaniolo instructed
The previous Roma and Atalanta striker had already by way of Instagram on Tuesday, however Roma launched a brand new assertion after that, saying that Zaniolo ‘appeared visibly intoxicated’ and ‘urinated in Roma amenities, provoked gamers, and, with out verbal trade, bodily struck Mattia Almaviva and violently pushed Marco Litti in opposition to a bench.’
Nevertheless, Zaniolo defined in his interview: “I do know I reacted badly, and I take accountability for that. I wish to be very sincere. I wanted to make use of the restroom, and the primary one I discovered was within the Roma dressing room.
Zaniolo explains dressing room incident
“I requested for permission to enter they usually welcomed me with a smile. They mentioned: ‘What, do you even have to ask?’ I gave the boys high-fives and mentioned, ‘Nicely achieved.’ After I was popping out of the toilet, one loudly provoked me, and after I requested if he was speaking to me, he got here nearer. I misplaced my mood, however I didn’t hit him.
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“It’s a mistake that weighs on me, particularly as a result of I do know I have to be a task mannequin for younger folks. I wish to make it clear that what occurred is way from what’s being claimed, other than a verbal argument, there was no aggressive behaviour on my half.”
The FIGC Prosecutor might hear the Italy worldwide within the coming days, whereas Fiorentina will not be anticipated to make his transfer everlasting. This implies Zaniolo will return to Galatasaray.
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Nicolo Zaniolo of Fiorentina reacts in the course of the Serie A match between Verona and Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 23, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Picture by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Photos)
“Had been there harsh phrases exchanged with a Roma child? Sure. Did he provoke me? Sure. I requested for permission to enter the locker room, and I by no means raised a hand on anybody,” he continued.
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“No slap or, not to mention, punches. I repeat that after I make errors, I take accountability, however not this time. I’ve a transparent conscience. I’ve no drawback talking with the federal prosecutor or with the boy concerned, to whom I merely positioned a hand on the shoulder as a result of the tone of the dialog was disagreeable.
“What was inappropriate was the behaviour of some adults who went from asking for autographs to insulting. What hurts probably the most is the shortage of respect proven in the direction of a fellow skilled, older than the boy, who clearly didn’t like my presence within the dressing room.
“I’m nearly 26, I’ve modified. That model of Zaniolo not exists, and Atalanta is properly conscious of it. Possibly, years in the past, an actual struggle would have damaged out, however one grows up, thank God. At this time, I can stand my floor with phrases.”
Zaniolo spent the primary a part of the 2025-26 marketing campaign at Atalanta, however left Bergamo for Fiorentina within the January switch window.
The 25-year-old terminated the marketing campaign with three objectives and three assists in 36 appearances throughout all competitions.