Zaniolo apologises to Roma: ‘I was going through a difficult moment’

Nicolo Zaniolo has apologised to the Roma supporters for his celebration during Atalanta’s 2-0 victory against the Giallorossi at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A last season: ‘It was a reaction after a difficult moment I was going through’. 

The Udinese man has given an in-depth interview to Corriere dello Sport, speaking openly and honest about his experiences over the last few seasons, and reflecting on some of the ‘mistakes’ he has made across his career to date. 

One moment that Zaniolo regrets is his passionate celebration in front of his former club, Roma, after scoring in the 89th minute of a 2-0 win for Atalanta last season. 

The 26-year-old, who spent the first half of the 2024-25 season on loan with La Dea, whipped his shirt off, cupped his hand to his ear and celebrated passionately in front of the Atalanta supporters. 

He then posted images of his celebrations on his Instagram profile after full-time, drawing an angry response from the supporters of the club where he spent the first five years of his senior career. 

Zaniolo makes it two! ✌️#RomaAtalanta 0-2 pic.twitter.com/MEkHVdKjAo

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 2, 2024

Reflecting on that particular moment, Zaniolo insists that he would not do the same again in his current frame of mind. 

“It was a reaction after a difficult moment I was going through,” Zaniolo told Corriere dello Sport. 

“I wasn’t playing much and that goal felt like liberation for me. Looking back, I would no longer celebrate like that. I apologise to those who felt offended.”