Roma have seen their appeal to overturn a three-match ban inflicted on striker Mattia Destro turned down after the Italian federation upheld the punishment for catching an opponent in the face with his hand.
The 23-year-old striker bagged a hat-trick during Roma's 3-1 win at Cagliari on April 6 but fell victim to trial by television following a request by the disciplinary commission of the federation.
As Destro tried to tackle Davide Astori from behind, his hand came up to catch the Cagliari defender in the face. Astori was booked for retaliating, but video evidence suggested Destro -- who escaped a caution -- was at fault.
The referee failed to see the incident but Destro was later charged with "an act of violence not seen by the referee" and was given a three-match ban.
The ban follows on from a one-match ban already served for being yellow-carded for simulation in the penalty box during the same game.
He will return for the key top-of-the-table clash at home to leaders Juventus on the penultimate weekend of the season on May 9, although the capital club's chances of winning the title could be over by then.
They are currently eight points behind Juve with five matches to play.
Destro was left out of an Italy squad get-together this week with national coach Cesare Prandelli continuing his policy of dropping players who misbehave at club level.
Source: AFP
