The Italian FA will investigate an obscene gesture by Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi against Roma, but not a halftime phone call from Simone Inzaghi.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Inter beat Roma in Serie A over the weekend. The Nerazzurri took a 4-2 victory from the Stadio Olimpico after a second half comeback.
The match was not entirely without controversy, however.
The biggest flashpoint came in the aftermath of defender Acerbi scoring the opening goal for Inter in the first half.
The 35-year-old scored in front of a section filled with Roma supporters.
And during the VAR check on Acerbi’s goal, there were offensive chants aimed at Acerbi, who is formerly of the Giallorossi’s bitter rivals Lazio.
Some Roma fans sang that Acerbi should “die.”
And the Inter defender responded with a middle finger gesture in the direction of the Giallorossi supporters.
Italian FA To Investigate Acerbi Gesture Vs Roma – But Not Inzaghi Phone Call
And the Gazzetta confirm that the Italian FA will be investigating that obscene gesture by the Inter defender.
What is not exactly clear is what the result would be in terms of a punishment for Acerbi.
A fine would be likely. Inter have already taken the decision not to fine the Italian international internally – but he could still be forced to pay a fine by the Italian footballing authorities.
On the other hand, a suspension would be much less likely for Acerbi.
However, all of this is pending an investigation.
On the other hand, the Gazzetta report, there will be no investigation of Inter coach Inzaghi regarding a phone call that he made at halftime of Saturday’s match.
The 47-year-old was serving a one-match touchline ban. Therefore, he was technically barred from speaking with his players.
However, there was a conversation with the Nerazzurri coach and members of the squad during the interval.
This would be, strictly speaking, a violation of Inzaghi’s suspension.
Nevertheless, the Gazzetta reports, the Italian FA has no intention of investigating the phone call.
