The Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) on Tuesday upheld a two-match ban on Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino for handling the ball to score the opening goal in Fiorentina's 3-1 win against Palermo Sunday.
The FIGC reiterated that video evidence showed Gilardino ''deliberately'' handled the ball.
The ban means Fiorentina, in joint second place, will be without Serie A's top scorer for their home game against joint leaders Inter Milan on Wednesday and their trip to Siena on Sunday.
Inter has 17 points like Udinese and Napoli.
Fiorentina and AC Milan have 16.
