Witness .. Lukaku victim of racist chants

ROME (Reuters) - Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku was racially abused after netting a second-half penalty to lead his new side to a 2-1 away win over Cagliari in Serie A on Sunday.

The former Manchester United striker appeared to be the target of "cheers of monkeys" from the fans of Cagliari at the "Sardinia Arena" as he prepared to carry out the penalty.

Former Juventus striker Moisi Keane, who currently plays in Everton, and Juventus's Blaise Matuidi were also subjected to racist abuse by Cagliari fans on the same pitch last season.

Lukaku, 26, sent goalkeeper Robin Olsen to the wrong side with 20 minutes left to score his second goal in two games with his new club before turning around and looking at fans responsible for racist chants.

"I think in Italy we should improve a lot and become more educated and respectful of the people who do their job," Inter coach Antonio Conte told a news conference.

"In other countries you are encouraging your team and not insulting the opponent," he said. "There has to be a lot of respect. Today I was treated well and I have not been abused while at other times it does not.

LaTaro Martinez opened the scoring for Inter before the home side equalized with Joao Pedro early in the second half.

Inter are top of Serie A with six points from two games, with Torino and champions Juventus, while Cagliari have yet to earn a point.

Inter started the season perfectly with a 4-0 home win over newcomer Lecce last week, but struggled to do the same against Cagliari, who include former Inter midfielder Radia Nainggolan.