Roma’s late equaliser against Inter yesterday could have been ruled out for a foul by goal-scorer Gianluca Mancini on Milan Skriniar, according to former Italian referee Luca Marelli.
Mancini caught the Inter centre-back in the face as they tussled for position in the Nerazzurri’s box, before the Italian headed beyond Samir Handanovic to secure a 2-2 draw.
Marco Di Bello and VAR official Paolo Mazzoleni opted to take no action.
Analysing the weekend’s key refereeing decisions on his YouTube channel, Marelli explained: “If Di Bello had disallowed the goal, no one could have complained about it..
“Even though, for how I see football, these sorts of things are never fouls.”
Marelli also confirmed that Inter should have been awarded a penalty early in the second half, with Roma leading 1-0, when Roger Ibanez took out Lautaro Martinez.
“The ball remains in play and Lautaro, due to the tackle of the Roma player, can no longer participate in the play,” he said.
“The fact that the Inter player has already kicked the ball does not matter.”
Marelli, who was a referee up until 2009, also touched upon what many believed to be a foul on Nicolo Barella during the first half which came just before Jordan Veretout handed Paulo Fonseca’s side the lead.
“There was nothing to it, it was normal tackle in midfield with Veretout,” he assured.
As a result of drawing and AC Milan winning, Inter have now slipped from one point to three points behind their Rossoneri rivals, who are leading the way in Serie A.
Inter are next in action on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia versus Fiorentina and will then face Juventus in Serie A on Sunday.
