MILAN - Inter Milan striker Adriano has been banned for
three matches after throwing a punch in Sunday's 1-0 win over
Sampdoria, the Italian league said on Monday.
The incident involving Samp's Daniele Gastaldello in the penalty
area was missed by the referee but a league statement said the
decision had been reached using television evidence.
Adriano scored the winner on the stroke of halftime to
re-establish Inter's three-point lead at the top of Serie A despite
a nervous display.
The big Brazilian has been in and out of the Inter side this
season after irritating coach Jose Mourinho with a perceived lack
of commitment.
Mourinho has also been banned for Wednesday's game at Catania
after being sent from the dugout just before Adriano's goal for
arguing with the officials.
Sweden forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed the Samp game through
suspension but is available again for the trip to Sicily.
AC Milan's Ronaldinho was suspended for three Italian Cup games
earlier this month after television replays showed him throwing an
elbow in the 2-1 defeat by Lazio in the last 16.