Uefa is "looking into" claims a banana was thrown on to the pitch during Italy's European Championship game against Croatia on Thursday.
A photographer was reported to have witnessed a steward retrieving a banana in the 1-1 Euro 2012 Group C draw in Poznan as well as hearing monkey chants directed at Italy striker Mario Balotelli.
European football's governing body have confirmed they are aware of the claims, saying: "We are looking into the reports."
If yesterday's alleged banana-throwing incident was intended as an insult towards Balotelli, it would arguably represent the most serious bout of racism at a tournament that has been dogged by the problem.
Balotelli said before Euro 2012 that he would "kill" anyone who threw a banana at him in the street and would "not accept racism at all".
Uefa is already probing allegations of racist abuse against the Manchester City striker in Italy's opening match against Spain on Sunday.
On Monday, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli rejected claims Balotelli was abused against Spain, saying: "That's absolutely untrue."
Balotelli, 21, said he would walk off the pitch if he was racially abused by fans at Euro 2012.
Uefa is also looking into allegations Czech Republic defender Theodor Gebre Selassie was subjected to monkey chants during his side's Group A opener against Russia last Friday.
Holland players claimed they heard racist chanting during an open training session in Krakow before the tournament even began.
Meanwhile, Balotelli could lose his place in Italy's starting line-up for Monday's final Group C game against Republic of Ireland.
The striker has been substituted in both his country's games so far, and Prandelli said: "He has huge potential, but he needs to improve.
"He needs to be more ruthless and pay more attention. These are the areas he needs to improve."
Prandelli was also asked about the alleged banana-throwing incident this afternoon and said: "No, I haven't seen anything."
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) later confirmed they had been made aware of the banana-throwing claims and accompanying photograph.
But they said no-one from their delegation witnessed the incident during the game.
A spokesman saidt: "There's not any official complaint at the moment about that.
"It's not quite clear where this photograph was shot at the game and whether it [the banana] was launched against Mario Balotelli."
The FIGC has, however, written to Uefa expressing "great regret" that their national anthem was booed by groups of Spain and Croatia fans during their Euro 2012 Group C matches.
In a statement, the Italian federation confirmed vice-president Demetrio Albertini had sent a letter to Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino to complain.
The FIGC acknowledged Italy supporters had jeered anthems in the past.
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