Suggestions Napoli could make Juan Jesus captain against Atalanta – report

According to reports in Naples, there are ongoing discussions in the Napoli camp over potentially handing the captain’s armband to Juan Jesus against Atalanta in Serie A on Saturday as a symbol of support.

Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli suggest that Juan Jesus could lead the team out at the Stadio Maradona when Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta visit at 11:30 GMT on Saturday, reported via TMW.

For now, it remains a topic of discussion and one that would require approval from the squad and most importantly from the full-time skipper Giovanni Di Lorenzo if it were to go ahead.

The temporary change in captaincy suggestions come following an FIGC investigation into allegations made by Juan Jesus in relation to alleged racist remarks made by Inter defender Francesco Acerbi during their 1-1 draw prior to the international break.

Acerbi was acquitted without further punishment following an investigation, largely due to a lack of evidence supporting Juan Jesus’s version of events.

Juan Jesus has since released a statement condemning the FIGC’s decision not to take the matter further, and Napoli have also put on record their intention to support the Brazilian in any way they can.

The club are also expected not to wear the customary ‘Keep Racism Out’ patch on their sleeves as a result of the recent Acerbi verdict.