Italian federation opens investigation into racist insults aimed at Koulibaly

The Italian football federation (FIGC) said on Monday it was opening an investigation after Fiorentina fans aimed racist chants at Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

The Senegal centre-back, as well as club teammates Victor Osimhen and Frank Zambo Anguissa, were targeted by racist insults during their team’s 2-1 win in Florence on Sunday, according to DAZN.

The FIGC prosecution said it would contact the Florence police to ask for information.

“Regarding the racist expressions uttered by Fiorentina supporters to the Napoli player Kalidou Koulibaly, the federal prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation after having read the reports of its own inspectors and heard the player,” the FIGC said in a statement.

Koulibaly called for life bans for fans who shout racist chants.

“’Fucking monkey’. That’s what they called me,” he wrote on Instagram. “These people have nothing to do with sport. They need to be identified and kept out of the stadiums: forever.”

Nigeria forward Osimhen said education would be key to changing attitudes.

“Speak to your kids, your parents make them understand how disgusting it is to hate an individual because of the color of their skin. #saynotoracism,” he said on Instagram.

Serie A football has often been marred by racism, with several incidents already this season.

A man suspected of racially abusing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan last month will face charges of inciting hatred, according to police.

Prosecutors are also probing alleged racist chants by Lazio fans during their game against Milan.

Juventus apologised in August after publishing a tweet depicting one of their women’s players performing a slanty eyes gesture which stereotypes people from East Asia.