AFP, MILAN: Juventus forward Douglas Costa has been banned for four matches for spitting in the face of Sassuolo winger Federico Di Francesco in last weekend's Serie A game in Turin, the Italian FA announced on Tuesday.

Costa was sent off after being caught by VAR aiming an elbow and headbutt before spitting in the face of Di Francesco, the son of Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco, as the champions won 2-1 thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's first goals for the club.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said the club would not be appealing the ban.

The 28-year-old was nevertheless selected in the squad for Wednesday's Champions League opener against Valencia.

Di Francesco had earlier rubbished claims that he provoked the Brazilian with racist insults.

Costa posted an apology to his teammates and fans on his Instagram account on Sunday, although he replied to one comment by saying that people did not know what Di Francesco had said to him.