Rossoneri Round-Up for Sept 17: Italian Clubs Stand in Solidarity with Franck Kessie Against Racism

Following the racist chants faced by Franck Kessie, numerous Italian sides have come forward to show support for the Ivory Coast international and demonstrate the frustration with the racism issue in Italy. Hellas Verona shockingly denied any foul play by their fans and said they were proud of their supporters. This was quite problematic as if the club does not condemn racism, this may embolden fans to keep at it.

Pescara, Pro Vercelli and Carrarese among others have hit out against racism in Italy and against Verona for trying to play it down. #NoToRacism has been trending. Football Italia pointed out that this was not the first time a Milan player has faced racism at the Bentegodi recalling the abuse faced by Sulley Muntari in 2014.

AC Milan and Italian Football Links

• See our player ratings for AC Milan vs Hellas Verona. [AC Milan Offside]
• French billionaire Bernard Arnault rumoured to want Milan. [L'equipe]
• Recounting the Heysel disaster and the resulting offensive chants. [Viola Nation]
• Analysing the Milan Femminile's win over AS Roma Women. [Chiesa di Totti]
• Napoli's Carlo Ancelotti sends a warning to Liverpool ahead of UEFA Champions League clash. [Mirror]
• Italian TV pundit fired for racially abusing Romelu Lukaku. [CNN]

World Football Links

• UCL is back, check out the fixtures for this week here. [BBC]
• Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe will miss PSG clas with Real Madrid. [SuperSport]
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores a hat-trick for LA Galaxy. [Sky Sports]
• Missing boy from Kenya in AS Roma ad found. [BBC]
• A look at Ajax’s chances in the Champions League this time around. [ESPN]