Acerbi: A critical moment as verdict looms in racism controversy

In a racism case involving Inter's Francesco Acerbi and Napoli's Juan Jesus, Serie A sports judge Gerardo Mastrandrea is expected to deliver his verdict today.

Final Verdict Of Francesco Acerbi
Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images

Today, Serie A sports judge Gerardo Mastrandrea is anticipated to deliver his ruling on the racism dispute involving Inter’s Francesco Acerbi and Napoli’s Juan Jesus.

During the final moments of the 1-1 match between Inter and Napoli on March 17th, Juan Jesus reported to referee Federico La Penna that Acerbi had racially insulted him. This incident led to Juan Jesus withdrawing from the Italian national team, and both players were subsequently questioned by the FIGC.

If found guilty of racially abusing Juan Jesus, Acerbi faces the possibility of receiving a 10-match suspension. Reports vary regarding Inter’s response, with some suggesting the potential departure of the defender by the season’s end.

Reports from TMW indicate that Serie A sports judge Mastrandrea is expected to render his decision on the racism case within hours, determining whether Acerbi is culpable and warrants punishment.

Acerbi, the Italian defender, has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that he threatened to physically harm Juan Jesus rather than using racist language.

Furthermore, there exists the possibility that Acerbi could receive a lesser sanction for unsportsmanlike behavior if the claims of racial abuse are not substantiated.

Francesco Acerbi

Francesco Acerbi

Defender, Midfielder

ItalyItaly

Age: 36

192 cm

88 kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 27 6 Missed
Minutes 2206 81.7 Avg
Goals 3 0.1 Avg
Assist 1 0.0 Avg
Attempt 1 0.0 Avg
Passes 1624 60.190.7% 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 27
Draw 5
Loss 1
Goals 79-18
Diff 61
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.​