Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri has been banned for two Italian Cup games and fined €20,000 ($21,672) for using “highly offensive” language against Inter’s Roberto Mancini during their teams’ quarter-final on Tuesday.

But as Napoli were knocked out by Inter after losing 2-0, Sarri’s ban will not become effective until next season. The coaches became embroiled in a heated row towards the end of the tie.

After the game, Mancini, who was sent off and has been fined €5,000 for his “intimidating” role in the confrontation, accused his opposite number of making homophobic insults.

But the ruling by a sporting judge, refers to “highly offensive” comments and does not mention homophobia, for which the punishment could have been greater.

The clash appeared to occur after Mancini questioned the fourth official, who mistakenly indicated nine minutes of added time before changing his mind and indicating five instead.

Inter boss hits back

The Inter coach yesterday denied claims that he had insulted an Italian journalist.

The Gazzetta dello Sport yesterday accused Mancini of using homophobic language to journalist Alessio Da Ronch in 2001 but Mancini hit back strongly in a statement.

“What I said after the game in Naples is simply in line with my history and my footballing culture,” Mancini said.

“I don’t ask people to share my way of being, but I demand respect. This story has been subject to manipulations, not least that I used that same insult toward a journalist, which is not true.

“I’ve never used that term as it’s not part of my vocabulary.”