[Samuel.]

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini - the player bitten by Luis Suarez - says he believes the punishment given to the Uruguay striker is "excessive".

Suarez has been given a nine-match international ban, as well as four-suspension from all football, meaning he can no longer be in contact with the Uruguay squad.

"I have always considered unequivocal the disciplinary interventions by the competent bodies, but at the same time I believe that the proposed formula is excessive," said Chiellini.

"I sincerely hope that he will be allowed, at least, to stay close to his team-mates during the games because such a ban is really alienating for a player."