Ex-Serie A Referee Mauro Bergonzi: “Foul On Inter Striker Edin Dzeko By Udinese A Clear Penalty”

Former Serie A referee Mauro Bergonzi feels that there is no question that the contact by Udinese defender Pablo Mari on Inter striker Edin Dzeko was a foul and a clear penalty.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster TMW Radio, Bergonzi criticized match official Daniele Chiffi for not awarding the spot kick right away as he felt that the penalty was very obvious to spot.

Dzeko went down under the challenge of Mari late in the second half of the Nerazzurri’s 2-1 win over Udinese on Sunday, and the striker immediately appealed for it.

The Bosnian looked surprised and annoyed that the penalty wasn’t given, although once play was stopped Chiffi spoke to the VAR.

The referee then quickly went to the pitchside monitor to have another look at the incident and then reversed his decision, but Bergonzi feels that it was a problem that he made the incorrect decision in the first place.

“How can you not see that penalty on Dzeko in Udine?” he said. “It was very clear. Even the defender remained on the ground because he understands his mistake.”