Referee Luca Massimi made a hugely embarrassing error during Inter’s 3-0 win over Sampdoria in Serie A yesterday, and it has drawn criticism from Italian media.
As reported in today’s newspaper edition of Corriere dello Sport, the official blew his whistle to bring play back for an offside call against Nerazzurri striker Lautaro Martinez, but the Argentine had received the ball from a thrown in and so was in a legal position.
Massimi was also questioned for his decision making in handing out six yellow cards to Sampdoria players, but not dismissing Blucerchiati forward Manolo Gabbiadini for a heavy challenge on Hakan Calhanoglu.
Despite this, the referee received praise for deciding against giving Inter a penalty after Federico Dimarco was tackled by Alex Ferrari in the penalty area, and for choosing not to send Sampdoria defender Gerard Yepes off after a challenge involving Nicolo Barella.
The Nerazzurri were comfortable winners at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, with Stefan De Vrij, Barella, and Joaquin Correa providing the goals.
