Empoli president Fabrizio Corsi has defended Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri.
Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini accused Sarri this week of using homophobic slurs.
“I'm disappointed, because we're talking about someone who is very dear to me," Corsi told Corriere dello Sport of his former Empoli coach.
“Sarri made a mistake, but I think it's now being pettily exploited in an attempt to twist it into homophobia.
“Everyone who knows how Tuscans speak knows that f****t is a term used toward a lucky opponent. We use it when playing tennis against a friend, and the ball touches the net but drops over.
“Unfortunately for Sarri, the context forbids him from using it. I'd hate if this story had a negative effect on him and his team, and was an advantage for others."