Probe into Fight Allegedly Sparked by Zaniolo at Academy Match

Florence: The Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) has initiated a sporting probe into a brawl purportedly incited by Italy winger Nicol² Zaniolo at the conclusion of Monday’s Primavera championship semi-final between Fiorentina and AS Roma in Florence, sources revealed on Tuesday.

According to Ansa News Agency, Roma issued a statement indicating that Zaniolo entered their youth team’s dressing room following the match, which saw Fiorentina triumph 2-1 to advance to the final, and “engaged in provocative behavior towards some of the Giallorossi youth players.” The statement further noted that during the confrontation, two players from the Primavera squad were reportedly physically struck.

Fiorentina, with whom Zaniolo is currently on loan from Galatasaray since January, quoted the player as stating he entered the dressing room to commend the Roma team with a ‘well played,’ but left after being insulted. Nevertheless, on Tuesday, the 25-year-old Zaniolo acknowledged on Instagram that he “reacted badly” and expressed a heartfelt apology for the events that transpired.

Zaniolo, who had a five-year stint with Roma and scored the decisive goal in their 2022 Conference League victory, left the club on unfavorable terms in 2023. He asserted that “there was no physically aggressive behaviour” during the incident.