Italian Media Describes Lazio Defender’s Handball Vs Inter Milan As 'Dubious Episode'

A report in the Italian media argues that Lazio defender Mario Gila risked giving away a penalty against Inter Milan for a handball.

The Biancocelsti hosted the Nerazzurri at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night in what was the most anticipated showdown of Serie A Round 16.

Although the capital side had some glorious chances, Simone Inzaghi’s men were more clinical.

Lautaro Martinez pounced on a terrible backpass from Adam Marusuic to put the visitors in the lead.

In the second half, Nicolo Barella teed up Marcus Thuram who sealed the victory with a second goal.

So at the end of the day, Mario Gila’s handball incident was forgotten since it didn’t affect the final result.

However, La Gazzetta dello Sport (via FcInterNews) considers it a “very dubious incident”.

While intercepting a cross, the Lazio defender ended up handling the ball in his own penalty box.

Nevertheless, replays proved that the ball had first hit the Spaniard’s body prior to the hand. This detail probably took him off the hook.

While the source doesn’t call it an obvious spot kick in Inter’s favor, it considers it a “borderline decision” that could have easily gone either way.

Inter Milan Could Have Had A Penalty For A Handball On Lazio Defender Mario Gila

Curiously, the match between Genoa and Juventus earlier in the weekend had featured a similar incident. The Bianconeri were hoping for a second spot kick for a handball on Mattia Bani.

But similar to Gila’s case, the match official and the VAR both dismissed the case. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, meaning that the decision was certainly impactful in this particular case.