Roma striker Edin Dzeko has defended Lazio wing-back Sead Lulic over this season's racism claims.

Lulic sparked fury in December when he stated Antonio Rudiger had “sold watches and belts" in Stuttgart.

However, Rudiger's Giallorossi teammate does not believe Lulic is a racist at heart.

“I know Lulic better than anyone and I don't think he's a racist," Dzeko told Sky Italia.

“Why did he say those things? I have to be honest, I've never called him to ask. Maybe he was angry because he lost the game, although he was obviously wrong to say those things.

“Other people suffer from these kind of statements. As I've said before, I know him well and I know he's not a racist, but you have to keep calm even when you lose.

“There are certain things you just can't say."