Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has called for a code of conduct for footballers and coaches in the wake of various incidents of racism at matches in the country.
Abodi told Wednesday's La Repubblica paper that an according Charter of Duties is to include a commitment against racism along with a ban on sports betting, drugs and doping.
The minister proposed that such a charter should be included in every contract signing, featuring an obligation “not to behave or express racist and discriminatory behaviour, no matter in what form, on and off the pitch."
Abodi did not say when such a charter would come into effect in the professional game but said he would with the national federation and league representatives in order to move the project forward.
He added that in a second step the charter was also to be used in the amateur game where unfortunately "there are still incidents in the stands and on the pitch that show how important it is to remember such duties."
Last week, Inter Milan's Francesco Acerbi was cleared by a sports court from having racially abused Napoli player Juan Jesus, who said he was "discouraged" by the outcome.
As a result, Napoli have decided to not to take part in the Italian federation's anti-discrimination measures, dismissing such efforts as "cosmetic."
In January, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan left the pitch after being subject to racial chants from Udinese fans. The match was interrupted but team-mates then convinced the Frenchman to play on.
lazio fans have also been notorious over the years with right-wing extremist gestures, slogans and chants.
Ahead of Saturday's derby match against Roma flyers have been circulating in the capital, showing a person in concentration camp clothing between dictators Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini.
