Italian media have offered a far more critical assessment of referee Daniele Chiffi in Inter Milan’s Supercoppa loss to Bologna after VAR intervention was required on two major occasions to prevent decisive errors.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, the match began to drift in the wrong direction in the 33rd minute, when Yann Bisseck handled the ball inside the penalty area.

“The Inter defender tries to head the ball but only makes contact with his arm, which is in a punishable position,” Corriere explains.

The report adds that Chiffi was effectively “saved” by VAR, though it criticises the length of time taken to reach a decision at the pitch-side monitor.

VAR Intervenes To Save Chiffi In Inter Supercoppa Exit To Bologna

Daniele Chiffi referee
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 5: referee Daniele Chiffi looks on during the Serie A TIM match between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 5, 2023 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

A similar scenario unfolded in the second half.

Chiffi initially awarded Inter a penalty for a challenge involving Ange-Yoan Bonny and Heggem.

Once again, VAR intervened.

“The Inter attacker looks for contact by widening his leg. But instead makes contact with the Bologna defender,” the paper notes.

After reviewing the incident, Chiffi overturned his call. Reportedly acknowledging over the headset: “Inter’s number 14 does not suffer any foul.”

Despite the correction of both major decisions, Corriere dello Sport remained unimpressed by the overall officiating.

The match ended without a single yellow card.

However, the paper described Chiffi’s handling of fouls and physical challenges as “confused” throughout.

While VAR ensured the decisive calls were ultimately correct, Corriere’s verdict was clear.

Without technological assistance, the referee’s night could have taken a very different, and far more controversial, turn.