Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi has made an early exit from Italy's national team camp. This move comes in the wake of allegations that he racially abused Napoli's Juan Jesus during a heated Serie A encounter. The incident, which has drawn widespread attention, saw Juan Jesus, visibly distressed, convey to the match referee an accusation of racist language used by Acerbi. The episode, caught in detail by television cameras, showed Jesus pointing to a "Keep Racism Out" badge, underlining the gravity of the accusation within the context of the league's anti-racism efforts.
Responding to the controversy, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed Acerbi's withdrawal from the Azzurri squad, set to participate in friendly matches in the United States. In a statement, the FIGC highlighted Acerbi's discussion with Italy coach Luciano Spalletti and fellow players regarding the incident. Despite Acerbi's insistence on the absence of any racist intent in his remarks, a joint decision was made to exclude him from the upcoming fixtures to maintain the squad's focus and tranquility.
Acerbi, a seasoned player with two decades in professional football, has staunchly denied the allegations, emphasizing his commitment to combating racism. "I did not say any racist phrases... There must be no racism anywhere in the world," Acerbi asserted, reflecting on the implications of the accusations on his career and reputation.
The incident has not only led to Acerbi's departure from the national camp but has also prompted a potential investigation by the FIGC. Depending on the referee's report and further scrutiny, Acerbi could face a minimum 10-match suspension if found guilty of racial abuse.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the post-match interactions between Acerbi and Juan Jesus suggested a conciliatory tone. Juan Jesus, while refraining from explicitly detailing the on-field exchange, acknowledged Acerbi's apology, hinting at a resolution confined to the pitch. "Acerbi apologised, he went a bit over the top with his words. He is a good guy... When the referee blows his whistle, everything ends there. It's fine," Juan Jesus remarked, indicating a willingness to move past the incident.
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti addressed the situation, stressing the team's unified stance and the importance of maintaining integrity and responsibility in representing the sport and nation. "From what Acerbi told me, there was no racism. But we need to be careful about our behaviors, everything we do and say," Spalletti commented, underscoring the broader implications of such incidents in football.
As the Italian national team prepares for its upcoming engagements without Acerbi, the football world watches closely, awaiting further developments and the potential impact on the fight against racism in the sport. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges football faces in eradicating racism and fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment for players and fans alike.
