Gazzetta fails Mariani in Inter-Fiorentina: score 5 for the missed penalty

Gazzetta dello Sport fails Mariani’s officiating in Inter–Fiorentina. In the review published by the Rosea, the referee receives a score of 5, with an assessment that highlights both his merits and shortcomings.

According to Gazzetta, Mariani starts off uncertainly: two fouls called strictly in the opening minutes — Pongracic on Thuram and Bisseck–Njie — and three corners not awarded to Inter during the match. On the other hand, the two missed penalties identified in real time were correct: in the 36th minute Bastoni keeps his arm close to his body, within his silhouette; in the 37th minute, it’s an unexpected and close-range ball for Pongracic. In both cases, the decision not to whistle is judged correct.

Regarding yellow cards, in the 3rd minute of the second half Jimenez “responds” to the crowd, risking a booking, while Bastoni is let off in two situations: in the 9th minute on Mastantuono and in the 14th minute again on Jimenez. These incidents are noted by Gazzetta without approval.

The most debated case concerns the 24th minute of the second half: Viery challenges Thuram in the box, stretching his leg without having control of the ball. Mariani points to the spot, then changes his mind. VAR does not intervene. For the Rosea, this is a clear mistake, made worse by the lack of support from the video room.

In the 50th minute of the second half, however, comes the positive moment: Valdepenas holds Thuram, with the defender ignoring the ball. Mariani whistles for a penalty, described by Gazzetta as a “clear penalty,” which leads to the 2-1. The conclusion of the Milanese newspaper is concise: “a somewhat shaky start, attentive on the two handball incidents in the box but imprecise and indecisive — and not supported by VAR — on the missed penalty. He makes up for it with the clear penalty for 2-1.”