Italy’s Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi criticises a ruling that found Francesco Acerbi not guilty of racially abusing Juan Jesus and hopes the Inter defender is ‘in peace with his conscience.’

Abodi spoke to reporters after an institutional meeting in Rome on Thursday, two days after a ruling that found Inter centre-back Acerbi not guilty of racial abuse towards his opponent Juan Jesus.

The authorities found insufficient evidence to take the case further, leading to an acquittal for Acerbi.

“I hope that those who have judged have had all the useful information to do so and that Acerbi is at peace with his conscience,” said Abodi, as quoted by Gazzetta.

“I understand the bitterness, starting from Juan Jesus, but I believe a collective effort is needed to tackle an issue we can’t fight if we are disjointed. We must be united.

“Football is a system that needs harmony even when there are different positions. If common interest is lacking, the whole system will fail. This is not only linked to financial woes but also to credibility.”

Juan Jesus and Napoli have been highly critical of the ruling which “stunned” the Partenopei.

The defending Serie A champions said they would no longer participate in institutional activities against racism and would “continue to do them ourselves, the way we always have done.”

Napoli return to action against Atalanta at the Stadio Maradona on Saturday, while Inter host Empoli at San Siro on Monday.

Juan Jesus, 32, is a former Inter defender and made 142 appearances with the Nerazzurri between 2011 and 2016.

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