Leonardo Bonucci has said that racism is a 'plague that has to be eradicated' but added that fingers should not be pointed solely at Italy as abuse has been witnessed in more leagues than just Serie A.
The Juventus defender, currently on international duty for Italy's European Championship qualifiers against Armenia and Finland, was responding to the recent verbal attacks directed at Inter striker Romelu Lukaku during a match with Cagliari.
The Belgian, formerly of Manchester United, was subjected to monkey chants before, during and after taking the winning penalty in a 2-1 win at the Sardegna Arena and stated on social media after the game that he feels society is 'going backwards'.