Athletic star accused of physically assaulting younger teammate in kickboxing incident
Update: Serious Allegations Against Zaniolo: Assault and Urinating in Opponents' Locker Room
Italian football is grappling with a controversial incident involving National player Nicolo Zaniolo, currently with Fiorentina. The midfielder, 25, stands accused of assaulting two youth players from AS Roma and urinating in their locker room, following a U20 championship game.
The controversial incident took place on May 26, 2025, immediately after Fiorentina secured a 2:1 victory over AS Roma in the Primavera League's semifinals. According to Roma's statement, Zaniolo, reportedly intoxicated and accompanied by an unidentified individual, unlawfully entered the locker room of the opponents, where he is alleged to have urinated, acted provocatively, and physically assaulted Mattia Almaviva and Marco Litti, two of Roma's youth players. Both players were hospitalized, with Almaviva expected to recover in ten days and Litti facing a 21-day recovery period due to a prior shoulder injury.
Roma described the behavior as "violent and unjustifiable." The club issued a statement condemning the incident and expressing regret. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has announced an investigation into the matter.
On the matter, Zaniolo issued a statement in which he admitted to losing his temper after being verbally provoked but denied engaging in any inappropriate conduct or physical assault.
Zaniolo previously played for AS Roma before moving to Galatasaray Istanbul in 2023, on loan to Aston Villa and Italian club Atalanta Bergamo since February. He was expelled from the latest Serie A game against his former club, AS Roma, for receiving a red card.
Rumors of a betting scandal involving Zaniolo circulated previously, but more recent credible sources have not linked him to any new or concurrent betting scandal.
AS Roma has expressed solidarity with its youth players and trusts that the sports authorities will handle the situation decisively and uphold the values of Italian football. Zaniolo, who has played 19 games for the Italian national team, faces the possibility of disciplinary action pending the outcome of the investigation.
- The community policy of Italian football, particularly regarding player conduct, should address the issue of unacceptable behavior such as assault and urinating in opponents' locker rooms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- The employment policy of Italian football clubs must ensure stricter security measures to prevent athletes from entering opposition locker rooms post-game, especially when under the influence of alcohol, to prevent potential incidents that could compromise their professional integrity and the values of the sport.
- Given the recent allegations against Nicolo Zaniolo for assault and urinating in opponents' locker room, European leagues, including Serie A, need to establish harsher penalties for players engaging in violent, unjustifiable conduct and enforce them consistently to maintain a positive image for general-news and sports, as well as uphold the integrity of the game.
