Inter vs. Fiorentina controversy called ‘the death of football'
The fallout from last night's controversial Inter victory over Fiorentina continues, with pundits saying the Viola 'should've walked off the field' and another calling it 'the death of football.'
The incident in question was the opening goal scored from a corner that should not have been awarded, as the ball had already crossed the line by at least 20 centimetres.
This is an area where VAR is not allowed to intervene because of the limitations of the protocol, so while it was undoubtedly an error by the assistant referee, it could not be corrected.
Nonetheless, it has caused a firestorm, especially on the back of other controversial incidents throughout Serie A Week 24 during Empoli-Milan, Como-Juventus and Torino-Genoa.
Referring to the Turkish Super Lig situation where Adana Demirspor walked off in protest at a controversial Galatasaray penalty call last week, journalist Dario Baldini told Calciomercato.it that Fiorentina should've followed suit.
'Fiorentina should've walked off and left the field, let Inter play against the Inter youth team and take the 3-0 defeat. Either way, they end up empty-handed, but then we avoid the show of Inzaghi in the press conference.
'I think Raffaele Palladino must have a great mental coach to stay calm, because I would've been enraged. In 2025, this cannot happen.'
As this result closes the gap at the top of the Serie A table to just one point, it also angered Napoli and journalist Carlo Alvino was even stronger in his criticism on Calciomercato.it.
'Inter-Fiorentina marks the death of Italian football. It is not about Napoli and Inter challenging for the Scudetto, but if someone wants to cultivate passion for this sport, then what was seen in Inter-Fiorentina killed it.
'It falsifies a match that indirectly also falsifies an entire title race. Even those who don't believe in conspiracies will start to have a few suspicions after that.
'I have been following football for too many years not to understand that there are some directors and some clubs who have more weight than others. This is the naked truth.
'What we saw in Milan was one of the ugliest pages of Italian football in recent years.'
Alvino also targeted the media, which he declared was 'a dictatorship, as the press representing the regime didn't join Antonio Conte in his battle to change the protocol, but rather attacked him as a victim.
'How strange, after Inter-Napoli, Inzaghi said he didn't want to talk about referees. After the derby, he suddenly changed his attitude. It's the protagonists who harm football too, not just referees and VAR who seem to work only on alternate days.
'We have seen decisions that change depending on what jersey you are wearing. For example, in Como-Juventus, when the VAR said one thing and the AVAR said another.'
This is referring to the debate inside the VAR booth on whether or not Federico Gatti's fingertips brushing the ball was sufficient for a penalty.
In the DAZN studio, the representative of the referee's association confirmed they did not consider it to be a handball offence worthy of a spot-kick.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Indianapolis Star
2 hours ago
- Indianapolis Star
Who is fast-rising recruit from Italy Luigi Suigo? Stats, highlights, scouting report
Luigi Suigo, a Class of 2026 recruit from Italy, is being recruited by just about all the college basketball heavyweights, including Indiana and Purdue. The versatile 7-foot-2 18-year-old has also heard from Duke, UCLA, Kentucky, Louisville, BYU and Texas A&M. He's already visited Illinois, per 247Sports, and has visits lined up to IU and Purdue, On3 reported. Here's what to know about the fast-rising prospect. 2024-25 for Milan in Italian lower pro division: 9.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.1 blocked shots in seven games. 2024-25 for Milan in international Under-18 play: 13.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.0 blocked shots in eight games. He can use either hand near the basket, but rarely sets up in post position. He can play out of a pick-and-roll and make 3-pointers. He is an able passer in the halfcourt or starting a fast break, and he can run the court.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Report – Inter Milan Set Sights On Lazio Midfielder Amid Tempting Offers From Saudi Arabia For Turkey Captain
Report – Inter Milan Set Sights On Lazio Midfielder Amid Tempting Offers From Saudi Arabia For Turkey Captain Inter Milan may lose Hakan Calhanoglu this summer, with Nicolo Rovella emerging as a top candidate to fill the vacancy. According to Sport Mediaset, the Turkey captain has generated genuine interest from the Saudi Pro League. Advertisement Despite renewing his contract at San Siro two years ago, Hakan Calhanoglu could quit Serie A in the coming months. Indeed, several Saudi clubs are contemplating summer offers for the 31-year-old, whose deal at Inter runs out in 2027. Therefore, the Nerazzurri must prepare for a worst-case scenario. Inter Milan Line Up Nicolo Rovella as Hakan Calhanoglu Heir Amid Saudi Links ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 24: Nicolò Rovella of SS Lazio celebrate s a victory after the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on November 24, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi –) Calhanoglu turned down Bayern Munich's approach last summer. However, things could change this time, with wealthy Saudi clubs ready to table lucrative offers that may prove too tempting to resist. Though Inter would ideally keep hold of the ex-AC Milan star, they cannot afford to take anything for granted. Advertisement As a result, the 20-time Italian champions have already prepared Plan B. Lazio ace Nicolo Rovella has caught Inter's eye after an impressive season at Stadio Olimpico. Yet, the 23-year-old won't come cheap, considering he has a substantial €50 million release clause.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Official: Inter Milan Announce Squad For FIFA Club World Cup – Both Summer Signings Make The List
Official: Inter Milan Announce Squad For FIFA Club World Cup – Both Summer Signings Make The List New Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu has named his 33-man squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Chivu will lead the Nerazzurri expedition in North America after taking the managerial reins from Simone Inzaghi. Advertisement Despite a lack of experience in senior management, the 44-year-old will try to help Inter forget a gut-wrenching season. Indeed, the 20-time Italian champions finished the 2024/25 empty-handed. Therefore, the Club World Cup could be a perfect opportunity for the team to bounce back. Inter Milan Name 33-Man Squad for FIFA Club World Cup MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 16: Lautaro Martinez, Nicolo Barella and Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale celebrate their victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Bayern München at San Siro on April 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by) Chivu's list features summer additions and all long-serving stalwarts, including the injured Hakan Calhanoglu and Yann Bisseck. Furthermore, both summer acquisitions have already chosen their numbers. Luis Henrique, who joined the club from Marseille, will don the No.11 shirt previously worn by Joaquin Correa. Advertisement Meanwhile, Petar Sucic will take the No.8 jersey from Marko Arnautovic, whose contract at San Siro expires at the end of June. Unfortunately, Inter missed out on signing Ange-Yoan Bonny ahead of the tournament.