Atalanta BC striker German Denis has apologized for punching Empoli defender Lorenzo Tonelli.

The two players came to blows in the dressing rooms after their teams shared a 2-2 draw last weekend and it has led to Denis being handed a five-match ban.

"I was wrong," Football Italia quotes Denis as saying. "There is no justification for what I did. I had a moment of rage and was unable to control myself.

"I am really sorry and already said this to my teammates and the club. Now it is time to apologise publicly.

"In my entire career, I had never reacted this way. I've never been sent off for violent conduct, am not an aggressive person and those who know me can testify to that."

Denis, who has scored eight league goals this season, will not be able to play again until his side's final Serie A match of the season against AC Milan.