Tuesday 31 March 2015 11:33, UK
Leyton Orient manager Fabio Liverani is supporting a new anti-racism campaign that will be promoted before England’s friendly with Italy.
The initiative is being fronted by Fiona May, the British-born retired Italian long jumper who was appointed by the Italian Football Association.
And Leyton Orient boss Liverani, who suffered racist abuse when he played for Lazio from 2001 till 2006, said it has an important role to play.
The former Italian international told Sky Sports News HQ: “In Italy the problem is very big so it’s important work for racism, to respect people’s colour.
“The message is important always for the children.”
May was hired by Italian FA's controversial president Carlo Tavecchio, who was banned from football for six months in November for using the phrase "eating bananas" when referring to foreign players.
The campaign will see educational programmes in regional schools, a talk show targeted at teenagers and a social media campaign.
Juventus and Torino have pledged one first-team player will take part in the events alongside local politicians in Turin.
