Nicola Zalewski faces hostile Rome return as late turnaround gives Roma 2-1 win

Whistles greet Zalewski at Stadio Olimpico

Atalanta winger Nicola Zalewski experienced a hostile reception from home supporters upon his return to the Stadio Olimpico on 5 September 2026. The 24-year-old Poland international began the Serie A match on the substitutes' bench against his former club, AS Roma. In the 66th minute, Atalanta manager Maurizio Sarri decided to introduce Zalewski alongside midfielder Mario Pašalić, taking off Eljif Elmas. The moment the fourth official raised the substitution board showing Zalewski's squad number, loud whistles and boos spread rapidly throughout the stadium stands. The negative reaction did not dissipate after the substitution concluded, continuing for several minutes as the winger took up his position on the pitch.

Broadcaster Eleven Sports captured the scene and published video footage of the hostile reception shortly after the match.

This is how Zalewski was welcomed at the Olimpico. Once loved, and today... the Poland international received a heavy dose of whistles.

Roma overturn deficit in late comeback

On the pitch, the fixture delivered a disappointing outcome for Atalanta despite the visitors holding the advantage for most of the evening. The Bergamo club moved ahead through a goal from Brazilian midfielder Éderson and retained their 1-0 lead until the final minutes of normal time. Roma shifted the momentum in the 89th minute, scoring twice in rapid succession through Mario Hermoso and Matías Soulé to claim a 2-1 victory. The late turnaround left Atalanta without points despite controlling the scoreboard for over eighty minutes of play. For Zalewski, the brief appearance marked his fifth Serie A match of the current campaign, in which he has recorded one assist.

From academy graduate to disliked rival

The animosity from the Roma fanbase stands in sharp contrast to Zalewski's long history within the capital club's structure. The Polish winger entered the AS Roma youth system and moved into the under-17 setup in 2018, progressing through the ranks until joining the first-team squad in 2021. Over his four-year senior tenure from 2021 to 2025, Zalewski made 123 competitive appearances for Roma, registering two goals and nine assists. During this period, he also earned his debut for the Poland national team while wearing the Roma shirt. However, his relationship with supporters soured toward the end of his spell due to accusations regarding his commitment and Italian press reports alleging leaks of internal dressing room discussions.

Transfer sequence and off-pitch disputes

Supporter resentment escalated further over off-pitch controversies that surfaced during Zalewski's final months in Rome. In October 2025, critical banners directed at the player appeared on the streets of Rome, referencing personal disputes connected to his relationship with influencer Emily Pallini and her former partner, rapper Ludwig, who had been a friend of the footballer. The strained relations culminated in Zalewski departing Roma in 2025 on an initial loan to Inter Milan. The Milan club subsequently made the transfer permanent for a fee of €8 million after roughly six months. Little over a month after that buyout, Inter sold Zalewski to Atalanta for a fee of €17.5 million, completing a rapid series of transfers across Serie A.