Bologna boss Thiago Motta is unhappy with a penalty kick awarded to Roma which allowed the Giallorossi to secure a 1-0 win: ‘Paulo Dybala should have been booked.’
José Mourinho’s side started the year by securing all three points at the Stadio Olimpico against the Rossoblu.
Dybala earned the decisive penalty kick in the first half, converted by Lorenzo Pellegrini.
“We played a good game, but there are some things we must improve. It’s hard to digest this defeat. There were two incidents that I don’t know how to describe, we start the new year with old habits,” Motta told DAZN.
The former Italy international thinks Roma should not have been awarded a spot kick, while La Joya deserved a yellow card.
“I think my player touched the ball and there was a penalty for us, which was not given,” said the coach.
“Football is evolving and it’s not this. When I see my players in the dressing room, I understand the frustration.
“I think my player touched the ball and even if he didn’t, the penalty is non-existent and Dybala should have been booked.
“The referee said that my player targeted the Roma player, but it was the other way around,” he continued.
“I am satisfied with my team’s performance. We played for a longer time in the opponents’ half and this makes me happy.”
Roma and Bologna’s players gathered before kick-off to honour Sinisa Mihajlovic, a former Roma defender and Bologna coach. The former Serbia international died of leukaemia on December 16, 2022.
Roma now have 30 points in 16 matches, the same as their city rivals Lazio who lost 2-1 against Lecce at the Stadio Via Del Mare. Bologna have collected 19 points so far and are 10 above the relegation zone.
Dear Mr. Motta I think you were watching another match.