Atalanta midfielder Maxi Moralez has jumped to the defence of teammate German Denis following the latter’s run in with Empoli defender Lorenzo Tonelli in the aftermath of the two side’s Serie A meeting on Sunday afternoon.
Denis reportedly stormed into the away dressing room at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia after the match with the room in darkness and punched the Empoli player several times in the face, breaking his nose in the process.
Speaking to ESPN, Moralez stated that Tonelli went too far with his words and provoked the reaction from the Argentine striker.
“There are insults, and then there is this,” began Moralez.
“On the pitch many things are said.”
Denis has alleged that Tonelli threatened to kill him and his family, in the presence of the Atalanta striker’s son.
“We accept threats on the pitch all the time, but to threaten another player’s family is always unacceptable.
“If somebody says this, and adds that to the tension of the game, it is understandable that the person might react differently.”
Denis, who is nicknamed Il Tanque, has received a five match ban for his part in the incident, with Tonelli receiving just a one match ban for his part in the events while also considering taking legal action.
