Juventus president Andrea Agnelli is adamant Italy is not a breeding ground for hardcore racists.
Over recent seasons Serie A has been dogged with incidents of racial abuse from fans towards players, with one of the more high profile incidents involving former AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng in a friendly against Pro Patria.
“It is an honour to be able to speak at UNESCO, a place where opinions can be shared and there is a great diversity of cultures,” he told a UNESCO function, organised to raise awareness and help fight racism in football.
“Football is not only a distant spectacle taking place at grand stadiums, it is the dream of millions of people and represents happiness.
“I am convinced that Italy, which has welcomed immigrants for years, does not suffer from true, hardcore racism.
“At the moment Italy is going through a period of mass immigration and at times, for example in the stadiums, some people struggle to fully understand it.
“Juventus has tried to help people understand the situation better with its ‘Un calcio al razzismo’ programme.”
Agnelli was also asked about his relationship with Bianconeri coach Antonio Conte, who has been linked with a move away from the club.
“My relationship with Antonio Conte is very healthy,” he said. “Antonio and I have the same dreams, we share the same dreams of where we want to take the club.
