Italian media blame Man City vs. Napoli referee despite correct red card decision

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 4:06 AM ET

Italian media criticise Manchester City-Napoli referee Felix Zwayer, even if the decision to show Giovanni Di Lorenzo a red card after a VAR check was correct.

Italian newspapers criticise Manchester City vs. Napoli referee Zwayer after the Citizens’ 2-0 win over the Partenopei on Thursday night.

Corriere dello Sport was particularly critical of the German official, who was rated 4,5.

The big decision of the night came at minute 21 when Napoli defender Di Lorenzo received a straight red card for a foul on Erling Haaland.

Italian media react to Di Lorenzo’s red card in Man City vs. Napoli

It was committed on the edge of the box and was a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Zwayer initially thought Di Lorenzo had touched the ball and only changed his mind after an on-field VAR review, leading to an inevitable red card for the Italy international.

Corriere dello Sport conceded that Di Lorenzo made a ‘clear’ foul and that Buongiorno was too far away, making it a genuine goal-scoring opportunity denied by the Italian defender’s tackle.

Unconvincing referee in Man City vs Napoli, according to Italian media

However, CorSport noted that Erling Haaland elbowed Sam Beukema in the build-up, so VAR should have reviewed the whole play.

Corriere dello Sport also added that Nico Gonzalez should have been booked for elbowing Frank Anguissa later in the game.

Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper rated Zwayer 5.5, writing that the 44-year-old official ‘didn’t see many fouls as he was perhaps affected by having missed Di Lorenzo’s red card.’

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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