Inter Milan's Francesco Acerbi Withdraws from Italy Squad Amid Racism Allegations

Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi has withdrawn from the Italian national squad for two upcoming friendly matches. This decision comes after accusations of using racially charged language towards Napoli player Juan Jesus during a recent game. The alleged incident took place in the second half of Inter Milan's 1-1 draw with Napoli in Serie A, Italy's premier league. Video footage captures Jesus complaining to the referee and pointing towards someone, leading to Acerbi being summoned by the official.

In a recent Instagram post, Jesus claimed that his opponent had referred to him as "Black" in a disrespectful way. However, Acerbi has denied using any racist language during their encounter on the field. Despite this accusation, the Inter Milan defender did not receive any punishment during the game.

Acerbi, a player with 34 appearances for Italy, joined the national team's training camp in Rome on Monday. The team is scheduled to travel to the US for upcoming matches against Venezuela and Ecuador.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) stated that Acerbi had a discussion with national team manager Luciano Spalletti and his teammates to clarify his side of the story. Acerbi maintained that there was no intention of being defamatory, denigrating, or racist. However, it was decided that he should be excluded from the squad to allow for things to calm down for both the national team and the player himself.

As a result, Gianluca Mancini was chosen to replace Acerbi in Italy's squad.

Acerbi, pictured here in October, 2023, has played 34 times for Italy.

Acerbi, pictured here in October, 2023, has played 34 times for Italy.

Claudio Villa/Getty Images

In a reported interview with Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport on Monday, Acerbi again refuted claims he used any racist remark.

Acerbi expressed that he has never made any racist remarks and maintains a calm demeanor. With twenty years of professional experience, he is confident in his words and denies uttering any offensive language. He believes it was a misunderstanding on the part of the other person and apologizes for his departure from the national team.

MILAN, ITALY - DECEMBER 02: Yunus Musah of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and Frosinone Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 02, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

Yunus Musah from AC Milan is seen in action at the Serie A TIM match against Frosinone Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Italy on December 02, 2023. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

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However, Jesus shared that Acerbi, who is 36 years old, apologized to him on the field after using racially offensive language. Jesus mentioned that Acerbi spoke up again after seeing that the defender was now denying the incident.

“Acerbi told me ‘go away Black, you’re just a Black’. Following my protest to the referee he admitted he had made a mistake and apologized to me, then also adding: ‘for me, Black man, it’s an insult like any other,’” Jesus said on Instagram.

“Today he changed his story and claims that there was no racist insult. I have nothing to add.”

CNN has reached out to Acerbi’s agent for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

Inter Milan acknowledged Italy's decision to allow Acerbi to go home in a club statement. The team stated that they will meet with the player soon to discuss the details of the situation.

Serie A, Italy's premier domestic league, mentioned that the case has been forwarded to the Italian Federal Prosecutor for further investigation.

CNN’s Antonia Mortensen contributed reporting.

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