Juan Jesus, who is Black, was visibly upset in the second half when he walked up to the referee, who then called over Acerbi.

In television images, Juan Jesus seemed to be telling the referee Acerbi had used a racist slur. Juan Jesus was also pointing at his shirt sleeve, which had a 'Keep Racism Out' badge -- as part of the league's anti-racism campaign.

Acerbi joined up with the Italy squad before the Azzurri fly to the United States on Tuesday for friendlies against Venezuela and Ecuador but the 36-year-old has now been replaced by Roma defender Gianluca Mancini.

The Italian soccer federation said Acerbi spoke to Italy coach Luciano Spalletti and the players and explained his own version of "the presumed racist expression" he allegedly used.

Monday's statement added Acerbi denied "defamatory, denigrating or racist intent" but was omitted "to guarantee the necessary serenity to the national team and to the player himself."

Inter said it "will meet with the player as soon as possible to shed light on the exact details of what happened."

"What happens on the field, stays on the field," the Brazilian told DAZN after the match. "Acerbi apologised, he went a bit over the top with his words. He is a good guy. We're adults, we can sort it out on the field."

Acerbi and Juan Jesus also embraced at the end of the match, which finished in a 1-1 draw -- with Juan Jesus scoring a late equaliser against his former team.

Acerbi, who wasn't disciplined by the referee, could face a ban of at least 10 matches.

Australian Associated Press