The Italian football federation [FIGC] have opened an investigation into an alleged attack from Fiorentina’s Nicolo Zaniolo on two Roma youth team players.
The former Roma star was attending the Primavera youth semi-final against his Fiorentina team when a brawl was sparked post-match.
Roma have provided a statement, accusing their former player of ‘provocative behaviour’ and saying that he ‘physically hit’ two of the youngsters.
Zaniolo has since addressed the incident on social media, apologising for his part, saying he ‘lost his temper’ after being ‘provoked’.
However, he went on to deny the allegation that he’d hit two players, adding: “I want to clarify that the facts are far from what has been reconstructed and that on my part, apart from a verbal argument, there was no physically aggressive behaviour.
“I know I disappointed everyone with this episode, but I hope you can understand that it was not my intention to disrespect anyone. Having said that, I renew my apologies.
“As a man, as an athlete and as a person who loves this environment, I just want to rebuild and look forward with humility.”
Zaniolo will now likely have to explain himself to the FIGC with the prosecutor’s office announcing an investigation into the incident on Tuesday morning.
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