The Italian football association has warned players against walking off the pitch if they are subjected to racial abuse from the fans.

The FIGC met officials from the Osservatorio, the organisation tasked with security and safety at stadiums in Italy, following AC Milan midfielder Kevin Prince-Boateng's decision to leave the pitch after being abused by Pro Patria supporters in Busto Arsizio last week.

"In the event of racism, intolerance or anti-Semitism, the referee and players will report through the fourth official to a director for public safety, someone solely responsible for making the decision to end a game," reads a statement from the Osservatorio.

"A report will be filed to the Federal Prosecutor's office. In the event of serious racism or intolerance the game can be suspended temporarily to broadcast warning messages through PA systems in the stadia."

FIGC general manager Antonello Valentini stressed that under all circumstances the Osservatorio's rules must be followed by players and match officials.

"Following on from yesterday's meeting, my continued presence here today is an opportunity to make sure no-one thinks we are underestimating the problem," he said on Thursday. "The FIGC has always paid maximum attention to the issue, in line with state and sporting laws.

"The refinements to certain procedures that the Osservatorio have outlined today are based on yesterday's talks and are aimed at making stadia and sport venues more civilised places. These kind of events must not be allowed to continue.

"The plan is to ban racists from the stadia and we are grateful to the Ministry of the Interior and the Osservatorio for what they are doing about it and what they will continue to do."

Pro Patria will play against Alessandria on Sunday behind closed doors as punishment for their supporters' actions.