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Acerbi was found to have abnormal levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in his blood stream - a substance produced by cancerous cells - after his side's Serie A match with Genoa on December 1, incurring a suspension from the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI).
Although a naturally occurring substance, hCG produces effects similar to anabolic steroids, and is therefore a banned substance in many sports.
However, a Sassuolo statement from December 20 confirmed Acerbi's relapse, which is thought to have resulted in the elevated levels of hCG in his system.
