Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte speaks out after Romelu Lukaku is subjected to racist abuse against Cagliari

Antonio Contehas insisted ‘more education is needed in Italy’ afterRomelu Lukakusuffered racist abuse during Inter Milan’s 2-1 win over Cagliari.

Lukaku struck home a 72 nd-minute spot-kick to seal victory for Inter, but the 26 – year-old striker faced monkey chanting from Cagliari fans behind the goal as he waited to take his penalty.

Clearly upset by the abuse, the Belgium international paused and stared in the direction of home fans after finding the net while his new Inter team-mates congratulated him on his second goal in Serie A .

Cagliari’s support have an unpleasant history of racism, with Moise Kean, Blaise Matuidi, Sulley Muntari and Samuel Eto’o all subjected to similar abuse at the Sardegna Arena in recent times.

Conte, who took over from Luciano Spalletti as Inter manager this summer, claimed he was unaware of the chants but called for better schooling on the subject across Italy.

‘Really, I didn’t hear anything from the bench,’ the former Chelsea boss said following Inter’s win.

‘However, it is true that in general more education is needed in Italy. I have also heard Ancelotti complain about the constant insults received on certain pitches.

‘When you are abroad there is more respect, the fans think only of supporting their team.’

Went to Cagliari vs Inter. Pretty clear racist chants# Lukakupic.twitter.com/9sLXZJXSbx

– Rob Taylor (@ KingShola4ever)September 1,

Inter defender Skriniar gestured for the Cagliari fans to stop their chanting on the pitch and spoke out against the abuse aimed at Lukaku after the final whistle.

‘The racist chants against Lukaku? I heard things that should not exist in football, ’he said.

‘I told the Cagliari fans to shut up.’

Lukaku, who was playing just his second league match in Serie A since his summer move from Manchester United, said he was ‘very happy’ to help Inter to their second win on the bounce .

‘I’m very happy about these first two league victories and about tonight’s success,’ Lukaku told (Inter TV) .

‘It was a tough match, we had to fight but that’s what we’ll have to do in every game, I’m happy for the team and for our fans.

‘To score wearing this shirt is a great feeling, I want to help the team even more, through assists too: the goal is to continue like this.’

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