Referee chief hits back at Ranieri: VAR ‘correctly overturned’ Roma penalty

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated May 13, 2025 12:47 PM ET

AIA President Antonio Zappi insists VAR ‘correctly overturned’ a penalty kick for Roma against Atalanta, acting ‘in full compliance with the protocol.’

Roma coach Ranieri raged at VAR and the referee last night after a 2-1 loss against Atalanta, in a massive match in the race for the top four.

Roma were awarded a penalty kick in the second half for a Mario Pasalic foul on Manu Koné, but referee Simone Sozza changed his mind after an on-field review.

“[Referee designator] Rocchi confirmed to me that the technical assessment was valid. It was not a penalty kick, and it was correctly overturned,” AIA President Zappi told ANSA.

“The VAR intervened in full compliance with the protocol, correcting a clear and decisive error. It was not a penalty. Pasalic made a move, but the Roma player collided with the opponent due to his momentum.”

The President of the Italian Referee Association also commented on Ranieri’s words: “Ranieri is a coach who has always been respected for his fairness, composure, and sporting culture. ”

“We are sincerely sorry for his statements.”

Roma had not lost a Serie A match since December 15.

When Ranieri was appointed in November, they were just four points above the relegation zone, but they managed to climb the table in the second part of the campaign and are now sixth in the Serie A table, just one point below fourth-placed Juventus and Lazio.

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

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