Soccer-Acerbi leaves Italy squad amid allegations of racist remarks

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Serie A - Inter Milan v Napoli - San Siro, Milan, Italy - March 17, 2024 Inter Milan's Francesco Acerbi and referee Federico La Penna after the match REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo/File Photo

(Reuters) -Italy's Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi has left the national team camp ahead of this month's friendlies after being accused of using a racist expression by Napoli's Juan Jesus in a Serie A game, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said.

The 36-year-old Acerbi, who was part of the 28-man Italy squad announced by manager Luciano Spalletti for games against Venezuela and Ecuador in the United States on Friday, will be replaced by AS Roma's Gianluca Mancini.