Italian giants Juventus have been punished after their fans racially abused Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli at the weekend. The 18-year-old scored Inter's goal in the 1-1 Serie A draw and was taunted by sections of the Juve crowd that "a black Italia does not exit." Balotelli who was born in Italy but of Ghanaian descent had turned down offers to play for the West Afican country. It is unknown if Saturday's act will make him rethink his decision to play for Italy. The Italian League is likely to bar fans from Juve's home game against Lecce on 3 May. Italian clubs have previously been punished by fines following incidents of racist abuse. However, the abuse suffered by Balotelli on Saturday prompted league officials to come down heavily on Juventus. Club president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has apologised to Balotelli and said Serie A had to end the culture of racism among fans. Source: ghanasoccernet