Lazio punished for racist chants

Lazio's famous Curva Nord stand will be shut for this weekend's Serie A opener as punishment for racist chanting during yesterday's Italian Super Cup defeat to Juventus.

The Aquile were soundly beaten 4-0 by Antonio Conte's side, thanks to goals from Paul Pogba, Sebastian Lichtsteiner, Giorgio Chiellini and Carlos Tevez.

Juve's trio of Pogba, Angelo Ogbonna and Kwadwo Asamoah were targeted by Lazio fans at various points during the match, with Lega Serie A moving quickly to take action at alleged racist chanting.

Lazio will now play their first fixture at the Stadio Olimpico against Udinese with the north stand empty, while both teams were also fined £4,270 for their respective fans throwing missiles on the field during the game.

The move comes after the Italian Football Federation passed new anti-racism legislation in June, with heavier sanctions for clubs found guilty and referees given the power to suspend matches.