'Intoxicated' Nicolo Zaniolo allegedly hospitalised two Roma youth players after 'violent' outburst as ex-Aston Villa star also accused of urinating in dressing room

Roma have alleged that Zaniolo entered their youth team's dressing room after their Italian Primavera (U19s) semi-final loss to Fiorentina and engaged in "provocative behaviour" on Monday. The club have also accused the Fiorentina star, who is on loan from Galatasaray, of assaulting two youth players and urinating in the dressing room, with the victims allegedly set to be sidelined for more than a week.

Roma added that one of their youth players has undergone shoulder surgery after being "physically struck" by Zaniolo - who was in the stands for the youth game.

A statement on the club's website reads: "On the evening of May 26, following the Primavera semi-final match Fiorentina vs AS Roma at Viola Park, Nicolo Zaniolo (Fiorentina first team) unlawfully entered the Roma dressing room area accompanied by an associate, despite lacking accreditation. Witnesses report Zaniolo appeared visibly intoxicated. He urinated in Roma facilities, provoked players, and, without verbal exchange, physically struck Mattia Almaviva and violently pushed Marco Litti against a bench. Litti had recently undergone shoulder surgery. Both players required hospitalization: Almaviva received a 10-day recovery prognosis, Litti 21 days. AS Roma stands firmly by its youth players and is appalled by the violent and unjustifiable behaviour witnessed at Viola Park. We trust that the institutions will act decisively to ensure accountability and protect the values of Italian football."

Zaniolo apologised for the incident but claimed he was "verbally provoked" and that there was no "physically aggressive" behaviour.

In an Instagram story, Zaniolo wrote in response to Roma's statement: "I went there with the only intention of giving a positive message... Unfortunately, I was verbally provoked by a boy and, mistakenly, I lost my temper. However, I would like to point out that the facts are far removed from what has been reconstructed and that on my part, apart from a verbal argument, there was no physically aggressive behaviour. I want to apologise from the bottom of my heart for what happened yesterday. I know I reacted badly and I take responsibility for it."

Reports suggest Italy's football federation, the FIGC, has launched an investigation into this incident and Zaniolo could face a lengthy ban if found guilty of any wrongdoing.

Zaniolo will return to his parent club, Galatasaray, and await to see if any punishment comes his way. Zaniolo made nine Serie A appearances for Fiorentina after joining the club on loan in the winter transfer window, but failed to register any goals or assists.