Napoli v Atalanta: Di Bello impresses, Zappacosta booking spot on | OneFootball

The officiating by Marco Di Bello at the Maradona stands out for its consistency, decisiveness, and ability to maintain emotional control over the match.

Napoli-Atalanta, the VAR review, impeccable technical analysis. Why Di Bello convinces and the yellow card for Zappacosta is the correct choice

The referee from Brindisi approaches Napoli–Atalanta with a solid technical approach, free of hesitation and focused on preventing potentially contentious situations.

In total, 21 fouls are whistled and three yellow cards are shown, all fully justified. The absence of complex incidents in the penalty areas made overall management easier, but Di Bello still proves skilled in not creating unnecessary issues. In a historical period where refereeing sensitivity is under the spotlight, this is a significant value.

Napoli’s second goal: regular position and immediate assessment

The only potentially questionable moment concerns Napoli’s 2-0 goal. At the moment of McTominay’s pass, Neres’s position is checked carefully: it is actually Ahanor, who stayed further back, who keeps the Napoli attacker onside.

Assistant Dei Giudici correctly identifies the alignment and validates the play without hesitation. A technically simple decision, but executed promptly, which is fundamental for the flow of the game.

Zappacosta’s challenge on Rrahmani: why the yellow card is the most correct choice

The most discussed episode occurs in Napoli’s penalty area: a strong challenge from Zappacosta on Rrahmani. The dynamics show a tough tackle, but not characterized by the excessive force that would warrant a sending off.

The Atalanta player’s foot remains low and there is no concrete danger to the opponent’s safety. For this reason, the booking is consistent with the regulatory parameters. As a referee would say on the field: “It’s a foul, yellow is right, but it’s never a red.”

Cards managed with balance

Discipline is one of Di Bello’s strengths. The three yellow cards shown are all consistent:

De Roon is booked for a late tackle from behind on McTominay.

Juan Jesus receives a card for an excessively hard challenge on Bellanova.

Zappacosta, as analyzed, is sanctioned for a reckless but not violent intervention.

This uniformity in evaluation reinforces the perception of a match conducted with sound judgment and a consistent standard.

VAR Di Paolo: discreet presence and no interventions needed

The work of the VAR, entrusted to Di Paolo, is essential but almost invisible, as happens when there are no situations requiring on-field review. A performance that can be summed up as follows: correct operation, no incidents to modify.

Conclusion: a performance that confirms Di Bello among the most reliable

Napoli–Atalanta highlights a referee who is confident, authoritative, and flawless. The consistency of his decisions, balanced management of cards, and ability to prevent tensions demonstrate the high level of his officiating.

A match that, for technical quality and competitive atmosphere, required a referee up to the task. Di Bello was just that.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.