Bologna v Napoli: Chiffi criticised, missed cards and VAR doubts | OneFootball

The refereeing by Chiffi in Bologna–Napoli left more than a few questions. Numerous whistles, inconsistent decisions, and at least two throw-ins given the wrong way (with one even not signaled at all) contributed to making the match more tense.

Bologna-Napoli, the slow-motion review. Chiffi under fire: confused officiating and missing cards. Key incidents and VAR doubts

But what sparked the most debate was the management of key moments and the lack of consistency in issuing cards.

The Hojlund case: elbow and silent VAR

The most controversial incident involved Hojlund, who made a blatant gesture: a clear elbow that, surprisingly, did not draw the attention of VAR. “Meraviglia” did not call Chiffi to review the play, and the action continued. This lack of intervention is significant, considering the dynamics and the deliberate movement of the Dane’s left arm.

First half doubts

In the 10th minute, Pobega clearly steps on Anguissa: the referee lets play continue. Shortly after, a suspected handball by Hojlund at the edge of the area is judged accidental (“unexpected ball”), a correct decision in substance but one that confirms an uncertain approach to the rules. In the 40th minute, Ferguson brushes the ball with his arm on Gutierrez: immediate whistle, but the incident did not warrant a sanction.

Missing cards and disciplinary management

In the second half, further evaluation errors emerged. In the 59th minute, Politano stops Cambiaghi with a hard challenge: an obvious yellow card is missing. In the 63rd minute, Chiffi does not whistle for a foul by Ferguson on Hojlund; on the ground, the Napoli player reacts by swinging his left arm, a gesture that does not fully strike the Scotsman’s face but reveals a punitive intent. An incident to review, potentially more worthy of a straight red than a simple booking.

A performance to forget

Overall, Chiffi delivered an inadequate performance: lack of consistency, technical errors on throw-ins, and little sensitivity in managing the competitive atmosphere. A refereeing display that left both sides dissatisfied and raises new questions about the consistency of VAR use and the preparation of referees in high-pressure situations.

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