MILAN, March 19 — Napoli defender Juan Jesus yesterday blasted Francesco Acerbi for denying he dished out racist abuse after the Italy international was forced to leave the Azzurri’s training camp ahead of two friendlies in the United States.

Jesus had initially played down the incident following Napoli’s 1-1 draw at Inter Milan on Sunday, telling DAZN “what happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch” after accepting Acerbi’s on-field apology for unspecified insults.