Inter were correctly awarded a penalty in last night’s 3-1 win over Lazio at San Siro, according to an Italian media report today.
The Nerazzurri took the lead against Simone Inzaghi’s side after Romelu Lukaku tucked home a spot-kick midway through the first half, which was given for a foul by Wesley Hoedt on Lautaro Martinez.
As per Gazzetta dello Sport’s print edition, referee Michael Fabbri made the right decision to point to the spot despite some arguing Hoedt had won the ball fairly.
“He does touch the ball with his left foot, but unfortunately he also cleared out Lautaro with his right foot before that,” the Milanese publication explained.
Fabbri was also correct to award Hoedt a yellow card rather than sending him off, despite it being a clear goal-scoring opportunity, given that the Dutch defender made a genuine attempt to win the ball.
GdS also praised VAR official Massimiliano Irrati for overturning Fabbri’s decision to disallow Inter’s second goal, when Lukaku slotted home after a ricochet off Lazio defender Manuel Lazzari left the ball at his feet.
The report clarified that had the Belgian been stood in an offside position when the deflection occurred, the goal would have been disallowed because Lazzari’s touch could not be considered a deliberate play on the ball.
As it was, Patric kept Lukaku onside.
