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Italian journalist Paolo Ziliani has sparked a storm of controversy after Napoli win 3-1 over Inter, claiming the match was “totally falsified” by the decision to award a first-half penalty for the hosts.
The spot-kick, signalled not by referee Mariani but on suggestion from assistant Daniele Bindoni, has become the epicentre of furious post-match debate.
Ziliani argues that the call represents a breakdown of officiating protocol.
He insisted that the assistant referee effectively “decided a Scudetto clash” despite being poorly positioned.
“A guardalinee at 30 metres, with Di Lorenzo facing away, tells Mariani to give a penalty eight seconds later,” he protested, via FCInter1908.
He then compared the incident to historic refereeing controversies, accusing Italian officiating leadership of losing control.
“The match was totally falsified by an assistant with super-powers and an arbitrator in confusion,” Ziliani said.
He added that the episode represents “the Waterloo of Rocchi and the AIA.”
Napoli 3-1 Inter Milan – Ziliani Slams Penalty Call
He also criticised the lack of VAR intervention, claiming protocol was ignored: “We discover that the referee no longer decides.”
Inter went on to lose 3-1, with goals from De Bruyne, McTominay and Anguissa.
However, Ziliani insists the turning point was clear.
“The victory was born from that episode. The challenge was altered from that moment, completely.”
The fallout is unlikely to end quickly.
Inter, already furious post-match through Marotta and Chivu, now see the narrative amplified by national media voices.
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