The heated conversation regarding referees in Serie A has continued after Giovanni Ayroldi was criticised by the Italian press for his work in Inter’s win over Genoa.
This weekend’s action in Serie A was kickstarted by serious officiating controversy in Lazio’s clash with Milan on Friday evening, when referee Marco Di Bello brandished 11 yellow cards and three red cards across the match as he failed to regain control of proceedings, earning widespread criticism.
As the weekend started it finished, as referee Ayroldi also found himself in the limelight during Inter’s match with Genoa on Monday evening. Whilst he was a little less card happy than Di Bello, the penalty awarded to the Nerazzurri at the end of the first half appeared to be a clear mistake.
La Gazzetta dello Sport were firmly unimpressed with the decisions made by Ayroldi in the match, writing: “With that penalty and the yellow card for Lautaro Martinez, it’s not an evening to remember. Two choices that demolish his report card. The dynamics, this unknown…”
Corriere dello Sport explained their frustrations with Ayroldi further, linking it to the wider conversation regarding referees in Italy, saying: “Now is the time for those who make mistakes to really pay. Like what happened to Di Bello for Lazio-Milan, to Marchetti for Toro-Fiorentina, as should happen (will happen?) to Ayroldi.
“Stubbornness is the worst of presumptions, Rocchi has shown that he has the courage to make his choices, they must be the same for everyone, especially for those who continue to betray trust.
“For everyone, the booking for Lautaro is ridiculous, dive where? The non-foul contact with Vásquez is clear…”
Tuttosport agreed with their counterparts, suggesting that the penalty awarded to Inter was a clear mistake, writing: “The penalty was an out-of-season Christmas gift to Inter. His was a double mistake because he didn’t back down in his decision even after being called by VAR to review the images of the clash between Barella and Frendrup.”
Ayroldi ratings in the Italian newspapers
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 4.5
Corriere dello Sport: 4.5
Tuttosport: 4.5
IT WAS CLEAR PENALTY, THE DIFFENDER WENT IN DANGEROUSLY AND MISSED THE BALL COMPLETELY.
ITALIAN NEWS REPORTERS ARE A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN THE REFEREESS
How many favours for Inter this season? Penalties, fouls in the buildup to goals – is anyone counting? I estimate 12 points worth
Barella? Wasn’t touched. Rolled like a cheese going downhill though
so many questionable decision for this inter this season. laughable.
Cry more, Lorenza.
Barella was a dive after he took a shot and missed. His foot after shooting hit the defender. How is that a penalty??