Inter conceded what proved to be the decisive goal in their first Serie A defeat of the season in controversial circumstances.
The controversy is highlighted in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, who describe the incident as “a very Italian misunderstanding.”
Inter defender Federico Dimarco was on the ground following a clash with Lazio midfielder Lucas Leiva, but since the ball broke for striker Lautaro Martinez the referee waved play on.
The Argentine’s tame shot was collected by Biancocelesti goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who spotted the gaps left by Inter players who had joined the attack and played his team in for a quick counterattack.
Dimarco remained on the ground recovering from the challenge with Leiva and was not able to try and stop the fast break by the Biancocelesti, but Lazio winger Felipe Anderson decided to keep the play going and in the end put the finish on the goal to take all three points from the clash.
The action was not against any rules in the game, although Nerazzurri players still immediately surrounded Anderson and reacted angrily, feeling that the etiquette and fair play of his actions had not been correct.
For the Gazzetta, the incident was difficult and highlights a gap between the letter of the law and the informal on-pitch etiquette followed by players, but resulted in a major controversy which soured the ending of the match.
