The Napoli defender was stopped by police and had his licence confiscated in the early hours of Friday night and the news was confirmed by a Press release from the constabulary.

“Santacroce is disappointed, but he has done nothing seriously wrong,” insisted agent Antonio Dell’Aglio.

“He only had dinner out with his girlfriend. He ate a pizza and had one beer, while yesterday he attended training as normal. He doesn’t deserve to be crucified for this.”

It is reported Santacroce was only slightly over the legal limit and will not be frozen out of the Under-21 squad travelling to Holland for a friendly on Tuesday.

“The police had absolutely no reason to amplify and advertise this minor incident.”