MILAN: Benevento captain Fabio Lucioni has vowed to fight a one-year doping ban imposed by Italy's anti-doping authority which he said has shattered his dream of playing in Serie A.
The 30-year-old defender tested positive for the steroid clostebol after Benevento's 1-0 loss to Torino in September.
Team doctor Walter Giorgione admitted he was to blame and he has also been banned for four years by NADO for administering the steroid to Lucioni in a spray.
Lucioni joined Benevento in 2014 and had helped the team from outside Naples move from the third division up into Serie A this season for the first time.
"I played all levels and finally got to Serie A when I was 30 years. My childhood dream has been taken from me," said Lucioni.
"I was hoping for a different justice and will continue to fight this disqualification.
"It's only right that we appeal," added club president Oreste Vigorito. "It's a bolt from the blue and could change our entire season."
Benevento have reignited their campaign, earning their first wins before the winter break after a European record 14 consecutive defeats before earning their first point on December 3 when their goalkeeper scored in injury time against AC Milan.
The Serie A tailenders now have seven points from 20 games before next Sunday's trip to Bologna.