Inter has issued an official statement subsequent to the removal of defender Francesco Acerbi from the Italy squad due to allegations of racism toward Napoli’s Juan Jesus.

The 36-year-old Italian central defender has become embroiled in controversy following accusations of racially abusing Juan Jesus during the latter stages of Inter’s 1-1 draw with Napoli on Sunday.

Juan Jesus was observed conversing with referee Federico La Penna and gesturing to the Keep Racism Out emblem on his jersey, asserting that Acerbi had allegedly used a racial slur against him. While he initially hinted at the incident being on-field in nature to DAZN, Juan Jesus later took to Instagram to express his thoughts on the matter.

Inter issued an official statement today following the decision to withdraw Acerbi from the Italy squad amid the racism controversy.

“FC Internazionale Milano takes note of the press release published by the FIGC in relation to the facts concerning Francesco Acerbi during last night’s match against Napoli, and of 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 player as soon as possible in order to shed light on the exact dynamics of what happened last night.”

Should action be taken, Acerbi could face a potential 10-match suspension for the alleged racist behavior.

Francesco Acerbi

Francesco Acerbi

Defender, Midfielder

Italy

Age: 36

192 cm

88 kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 29 9 Missed
Minutes 2386 82.3 Avg
Goals 3 0.1 Avg
Assist 1 0.0 Avg
Attempt 1 0.0 Avg
Passes 1761 60.791.0% AvgSucc
Yellow 1 0.0 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 23 times for 1846 minutes for Serie A.

Francesco Acerbi scored 2 goals for Inter. He procured one assist. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.

His team is currently 1st in Serie A. In the last match Inter drew 1-1 against Napoli.

Inter performance and stats

Inter

Manager: Simone Inzaghi
Rank 1st
Win 29
Draw 6
Loss 2
Goals 87-20
Diff 67
Rank 2nd
Win 3
Draw 3
Loss 0
Goals 8-5
Diff 3

Inter is currently 1st in the Serie A with 76 points.

In the last 29 games, it has won 24 times, drawn 4 times, and lost once. In its last match, Inter drawn 1-1 against Napoli.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 71 goals and conceding 14.​