Acerbi, FIGC: “No racist intent”. Spalletti calls Mancini in his place

Acerbi: “Never said racist phrases”

Francesco Acerbi upon returning to Milan, after the discussion with coach Spalletti and the president of the Football Federation Gabriele Gravina: “Racist phrases have never come out of my mouth. That's the only thing I can say. I know that I have never said racist phrases. I have been playing football for 20 years and I know what I am saying. I'm calm. Juan Jesus? I didn't hear it. The reason for the apology? At that moment he had to apologize, because in my opinion he also misunderstood.” Acerbi then added: “On the issue of racism, I hope that the fight continues in every part of the world. Many things happen on the pitch, it is normal when playing football that certain things can be said. But when you blow the whistle you shake hands and everything goes back to how it was before. I'm sorry to leave the national team, but it's right like this. What did Spalletti tell me? These are our things. Meeting with the club? No, now I'm going to my daughter.”

Acerbi, FIGC: “No racist, defamatory or denigrating intent”. Spalletti calls Gianluca Mancini in his place

“The soccer player Francesco Acerbiwho arrived this morning at the national team retreat in Rome, he explained to coach Luciano Spalletti and his teammatesas required by the internal policy of Club Italia, lown version of the alleged racist expression reported by the footballer Juan Jesus during the Inter-Napoli match”. The FIGC announced this with a note on its official website.

“From the report of the Nerazzurri defender, while waiting for what happened to be reconstructed in compliance with the autonomy of sports justice, it has emerged that there was no defamatory, denigrating or racist intent on his part. However, it was agreed – the note continues – to exclude Acerbi from the list of players called up for the next two friendly matches scheduled in the United States, to guarantee the necessary serenity for the national team and for the player himself, who will return to his home club today. Consequentially, Roma defender Gianluca Mancini has been called up, who was already part of the pre-call list.”

Inter, 'I will soon discuss with Acerbi to shed light on what happened last night'

“FC Internazionale Milano takes note of the press release published by the FIGC in relation to the events involving Francesco Acerbi during last night's match against Napoli, and the fact that the FIGC and Acerbi have agreed on the player's non-participation in the next two friendly matches of the national team scheduled in the United States. FC Internazionale Milano reserves the right to consult with its member as soon as possible in order to shed light on the exact dynamics of what happened last night“. Thus Inter in a note published on their official website.