Marelli on Osimhen penalty appeal in Napoli vs Inter: "Contact too ...
Former Serie A referee Luca Marelli feels that the contact on Victor Osimhen was too light to give Napoli a penalty against Inter Milan.
The former referee spoke to Italian broadcaster DAZN after the match, via FCInter1908. He also weighed in on the potential foul on Partenopei midfielder Stanislav Lobotka in the buildup to Inter’s opener.
This evening’s match was not exactly focused on refereeing controversy. But there were a few key incidents.
Perhaps the biggest concerned Napoli striker Victor Osimhen’s appeal for a penalty.
Back in the team for his first start since returning from a hamstring injury, the Nigerian was not able to get on the scoresheet.
But at one point during the second half, Osimhen felt that he should have received a penalty.
This was after Inter defender Francesco Acerbi had seemingly clipped the Napoli striker’s heel.
There was no question that there was some contact between the two players.
But the big question concerned whether it was enough to warrant giving a foul.
Referee Davide Massa saw the incident in real time and felt that there was not. And the VAR agreed with the on-pitch decision upon review.
In the view of former referee Marelli, the match officials got it right.
Marelli: Correct Not To Give Penalty For Contact On Osimhen In Napoli vs Inter“Massa was in a good position on the incident with Osimhen,” Marelli said.
“The contact was light, and it was on the side of the leg,” he continued.
“The contact was too light to warrant a penalty, or an on-pitch review,” Marelli argued.
He also spoke about the incident in the buildup to Inter’s first goal.
The former referee sympathized the Partenopei’s case, but ultimately felt it was correct not to disallow the goal.
Marelli argued that “On the first goal, I think that the infringement should be whistled.”
“But the VAR can’t intervene,” he continued.
“Massa assessed the situation, and did so incorrectly. The arm around Lobotka is blatantly not allowable in football.”
“But we know that VAR can’t intervene, because it is an episode to be evaluated by Massa.”
