Hakan Calhanoglu was fortunate to avoid a booking during Inter Milan’s convincing 4-0 win over Como, with referee Marco Di Bello’s performance coming under the microscope in Italian media.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the first questionable decision came in the 44th minute of the first half.

Indeed, when Perrone was booked for a sliding challenge that barely touched Bastoni and seemed more accidental than dangerous.

Inter 4-0 Como – Calhanoglu & Carlos Fortunate To Avoid Punishment

Marco Di Bello referee
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – OCTOBER 21: Referee Marco Di Bello gestures during the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and SS Lazio at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on October 21, 2023 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Later, Diego Carlos’s harsh challenge on Lautaro Martinez in stoppage time of the first half earned just a yellow, despite a clear foul on the Inter striker.

In the second half, Diego Carlos narrowly avoided a second booking on multiple occasions.

Meanwhile Calhanoglu himself escaped sanction after an imprudent tackle on Rodriguez in the 4th minute.

The VAR team was not called upon to intervene, with officials judging there were no “grave fouls” warranting further action.

Overall, the analysis suggests that Di Bello kept the match flowing and made largely acceptable calls.

However, some Inter players, particularly Calhanoglu, benefited from a degree of leniency.

The match ended with Inter firmly in control.

Therefore making the referee’s marginal decisions ultimately inconsequential to the Nerazzurri’s dominant performance.