Turin, Italy - Juventus Turin will play Sunday's Italian league home game with Atalanta behind closed doors after their appeal against the sanction for racist abuse by their fans rejected.

A high court of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) late Thursday turned down Juve's appeal against a one-game stadium ban.

Juve said on their website that "the bianconeri will therefore play the first of the two remaining home matches, the one against Atalanta, without their supporters."

The stadium ban was originally spoken out by the Italian football league when Juve supporters racially abused Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli in a 1-1 draw in Turin last month. Juve got an injunction but CONI said it upheld the ban after examining further evidence.

Juve lie third in the Serie A. They are out of the title race but seek direct entry into the Champions League for which at least third place is required.(dpa)