Fiorentina Fans' Racist Comments On Napoli Trio, Chiellini: I'm Ashamed Of Being Italian And Tuscany
JAKARTA - Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini felt ashamed as an Italian because of the racist abuse directed at Napoli players by Fiorentina fans on Sunday.
Black Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly said he was harassed by Fiorentina fans, while Gazzetta dello Sport reported team-mates Victor Osimhen and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa were also targeted after their 2-1 win.
Napoli retweeted Nigerian Osimhen's statement about the abuse, while Fiorentina condemned the incident.
Chiellini, speaking to reporters ahead of Italy's match against Spain on Wednesday, said the abuse was unacceptable.
"We need laws and regulations that are implemented, this is the most important thing," Chiellini said, quoted from the official Reuters website on Wednesday.
"I am ashamed as an Italian and a Tuscan, because Italy is not a racist country for me.
"Something more has to be done, if not from the outside, we give a bad image of ourselves," added Chiellini.
Italian football has been plagued by racism. Last month, prosecutors opened an investigation into alleged racist chants by Lazio supporters directed at AC Milan midfielders Tiemoue Bakayoko and Franck Kessie.
Meanwhile, Juventus issued an apology after their women's team account tweeted an image containing a racist gesture in August.