Serie A referee-designator Gianluca Rocchi believes referee Simone Sozza deserves praise for awarding a penalty to Inter Milan in the derby last weekend.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster DAZN, via FCInterNews, Rocchi argued that the official’s decision was not as straightforward as it may have looked.
Inter received a penalty during the second half of yesterday’s derby win over AC Milan.
It was not exactly a turning point in the match. The Nerazzurri were already 3-1 ahead, having responded to a second half Rossoneri goal to restore their two-goal cushion.
But extending their lead to three goals certainly helped Inter to breather easier.
Particularly in a fixture like the derby, late drama is always a possibility.
But with a 4-1 scoreline, Inter effectively killed off the match. The wind was out of Milan’s sails almost entirely, whilst the Nerazzurri added insult to injury with a fifth goal in stoppage time.
Therefore, Sozza’s decision to point to the spot and give Inter the opportunity to extend their lead was certainly an important moment.
Rocchi Praises Sozza For Awarding Inter Milan A Penalty Vs AC Milan
Sozza gave Inter the penalty for a clumsy challenge by Milan defender Theo Hernandez on Inter captain Lautaro Martinez
The Frenchman tried to win the ball ahead of Martinez. But he was high and late, clipping the foot of his opposite number.
There’s not a lot of doubt about whether or not the penalty was the decision.
Hernandez got none of the ball and a big chunk of Martinez’s foot.
Most likely, even if match official Sozza had not noticed the infringement, the VAR would have alerted him.
But in the view of referee-designator Rocchi, the spotting of the foul should not be taken for granted. He thinks it’s a very positive sign that Sozza handled the incident quickly and professionally.
“The audio and video show how well the referee handles that incident,” Rocchi said.
“Sozza deals with the penalty situation absolutely perfectly,” he continued. “It seems easy, but it’s not.”
“When the referee is positioned well on the pitch, the work afterwards becomes easier,” Rocchi said.
“There must be an atmosphere respect from the players, you have to be tough when necessary, but also understanding.”
