Ex Serie A Referee Has “Some Doubts” After Another Potential Penalty Overlooked In Fiorentina 1-1 Inter Milan Draw | OneFootball

Former Serie A referee Graziano Cesari slammed Andrea Colombo after last night’s 1-1 draw between Fiorentina and Inter Milan.

During the latest episode of the ‘Pressing’ podcast via FCInterNews, Cesari reviewed an incident inside La Viola’s penalty area.

With Cristian Chivu suspended for his touchline tantrum against Atalanta, assistant coach Aleksandar Kolarov took charge from the dugout.

Furthermore, the Nerazzurri were without star striker Lautaro Martinez, who is still recovering from a calf injury.

However, Francesco Pio Esposito propelled the visitors to a dream start, breaking the deadlock inside the opening minute.

Still, Fiorentina secured a point, as Cher Ndour canceled out the Italian’s opener in the 77th minute.

Meanwhile, Inter had another penalty claim denied.

Indeed, referee Andrea Colombo refused to penalize Marin Pongracic’s handball inside the box.

Moreover, his VAR colleagues upheld his on-field decision, as Inter fell to a third consecutive winless league game for the first time since 2023.

Graziano Cesari Comments on Penalty Controversy in Fiorentina 1-1 Inter Milan Draw

“Colombo is perfectly positioned and clearly gestures to play on,” Cesari said. “You have to determine whether that right arm is outside the body’s silhouette, whether it’s an unexpected ball.

“However, above all, it clearly prevented Thuram from directing the ball toward goal in any way.

“The stance of the AIA is that this won’t be considered a mistake by Colombo, and that the VAR’s decision not to intervene won’t be deemed an error either,” he added.

“I have some doubts, because if a player mistimes a backheel, it’s not the opponent’s fault… But above all, the cross comes from far out, so a player must always be ready.

“Still, I can already say the AIA will claim everything was correct.”

As a result of another dismal result, Inter headed into the international break only six points clear of second-placed AC Milan.