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Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro has apologised for his brutal comments aimed at a 12-year-old on social media .

The 24-year-old Italian was allegedly "insulted" by the young Napoli fan - who are rivals with Juventus - prompting Sturaro to snap.

As reported by Football Italia, Sturaro responded: "Sit down or I'll embarrass you to such a degree that you'll cry for three days.

"Go play with your Pokemon and stop bothering me, you retard. Go cry to your mother, you damn child. Actually, I am at home with your mother."

(Image: Reuters / Sergio Perez)

Sturaro later took to Instagram , where he posted a message in Italian, apologising for his actions and admitting he reacted without thinking.

"We ought to ignore them, but at times the instinct prevails. I apologise to anyone who felt affected by this."

Sturaro signed for the Champions League runners-up from Genoa in 2014 but was sent back on loan to the club for the following season. He has made seven appearances in all competitions for the Old Lady this campaign.