Two flashpoint moments in the closing stages of Inter Milan’s 1-1 draw with Atalanta sparked fierce protests from the Nerazzurri, but referee analyst Luca Marelli has backed both of Manganiello’s key decisions, insisting neither incident warranted a penalty.
The first controversy surrounded Atalanta’s equaliser. Inter protested that a foul on Dumfries should have been called before Krstovic’s leveller stood.
Marelli was clear in his assessment, via FCInter1908.
“The goal came from a contact that was not whistled. For me, Manganiello was very good to let it run. There is no low contact, just a hand rested on the back. There is no push, no extension of the arm. It seems more like Dumfries losing his balance and falling. Manganiello was right.”
Inter 1-1 Atalanta – Marelli: ‘No penalty on Frattesi’
The second incident drew more debate.
Frattesi went down in the Atalanta area under a challenge from Scalvini in what could have been a match-winning penalty for Inter.
Marelli conceded there was contact but stopped well short of calling it a foul.
“There is contact between Frattesi and Scalvini, Frattesi gets there first. There is no real kick, I do not see contact worthy of a penalty. Penalties are a serious matter.”
He also defended the VAR’s decision not to intervene. “Certain contacts on the pitch are not easily visible, especially among many players. It is a subjective evaluation not objective, and therefore correct not to have the VAR step in.”
Inter’s frustration is understandable, but Marelli’s verdict offers little comfort for their case.