Fabio Capello: 'Italy can learn from England's racism directives'

Fabio Capello feels that Italian football can learn from England's attitudes towards racism in football.

Football in Italy was again dogged by stories of racial abuse over the weekend when AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli was the subject of chants from Roma fans during their 0-0 draw on Sunday.

Capello, who spent four years as England manager from 2008 to 2012, believes that his homeland can learn from England's zero tolerance towards racial discrimination in the game.

"Italian football must learn from England and Spain, where decisions were made to come down hard on racist activity," Capello told Rai Sport.

"In Spain the players can get on with things peacefully without any monkey chants. All this stems from the ultras and I've been vocal against them for several years now.

"Then there's the justice system [in Italy], not sporting justice but ordinary justice, that does not make many decisions compared to England."

Roma were fined €50,000 (£42,500) for their supporters' conduct.

Sunday's incident is the second time that Balotelli has been the target of abuse in his homeland since moving back from Manchester City in January.

Back in February, fans of his former club Inter Milan subjected the forward to taunts, as bananas were thrown at him during the 1-1 draw at San Siro.