In a heated Napoli—Inter Milan league clash this weekend, center referee Davide Massa’s performance is under intense scrutiny following a controversial decision that denied Napoli a penalty in the second half.
The incident unfolded as Inter defender Francesco Acerbi appeared to clip the heel of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen inside the box.
Despite video replay evidence supporting a possible foul, Massa maintained he had a clear view and opted not to consult the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Pitch-side Monitor.
The contentious call has ignited widespread criticism, with former Serie A referee Luca Marelli asserting that the contact warranted a penalty for Victor Osimhen.
Naples-based football journalist Paolo Del Genio echoed Marelli’s sentiments, expressing confidence that the decision might have favored Napoli if it involved another team.
Del Genio went further to suggest a perceived bias, claiming that football authorities seem to favor teams like Inter Milan and Juventus over others, fueling the controversy surrounding the officiating in the Napoli—Inter Milan showdown.
“Napoli have had many penalties like this. This year too in Bologna because Osimhen arrives first with speed and comes hit.” on Radio Kiss Kiss.
“It has already happened and will happen many times, but only twice they didn’t give it to us: against Milan at Orsato and against Inter yesterday.“
“Against all the other teams Napoli has had it and will have it. Just like the disallowed goal, but when Inter, Juve and Milan are involved, it ends like this. But no one says it, find me who has the courage to say it .”
Osimhen failed to find the back of the game as Napoli lost the encounter 3-0 to Inter Milan at the Diego Maradona’s Stadium.
