Legendary Former Inter President Massimo Moratti: “Not At Level Of Calciopoli But A Problem How VAR Is Implemented”

Legendary former Inter President Massimo Moratti believes that the way that VAR is used in Serie A has become a problem in terms of fairness and accountability.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, Moratti suggested that while the issues are not organized and deliberate as they were during the infamous Calciopoli scandal, the way that VAR is implemented is still problematic.

Inter conceded a late penalty against Juventus on Sunday evening which saw the Bianconeri equalize and the two teams split the points.

The way in which the penalty was awarded became a controversial talking point after the match, with on-pitch referee Maurizio Mariani having initially waved play on from the challenge in the area but then having been advised to have another look by VAR.

Mariani decided to award a spot kick on second viewing, though many observers noted that the challenge involved was of the type that has frequently not seen VAR intervene to correct an on-pitch decision.

The anger at the decision partly comes from the reputation of Serie A referees specifically around games involving the Bianconeri, a reputation established during the Calciopoli scandal, though Moratti does not believe that the issues are the same as during that infamous period.

Asked if there was a “new Calciopoli” he replied, “No, that was a well-structured and thought-out system. We are not at that level. But I must say that even with the VAR, one person always decides. So this makes me to think that if there had been technology on the pitch during the match between the Iuliano-Ronaldo clash, they would not even have granted us the penalty.”

The former Inter President also stated that he would be happy to see Napoli win the Scudetto, explaining that “I don’t think anyone will be angry if I say that I hope the Azzurri win the Scudetto. Aurelio De Laurentiis does not need my advice, this year he has built an excellent team to watch.”

“They are complete in all positions,” he said of the Partenopei, before joking, “What if I called him to get Osimhen? Well, let’s face it, this would be the wrong time to ask him about this player.”