Italian Media Praise Inter Milan 6-2 Pisa Referee Marcenaro: ‘He Was In Control Of A Match That Could Get Complex’ | OneFootball

Italian media largely approved of referee Matteo Marcenaro’s performance during Inter Milan’s 6-2 comeback win over Pisa, praising his ability to manage a match that threatened to spiral early on.

According to Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, the official from Genoa handled a challenging context with authority, even if his display was not without flaws.

In its referee analysis, the newspaper noted that Marcenaro “kept control of a match that risked becoming complicated, also because of the initial 0-2 scoreline.”

With tension rising after Pisa’s fast start, the referee aimed to maintain consistency in his decisions, a task made harder by the emotional flow of the contest.

However, the paper also highlighted some imperfections. While “the yellow card shown to Marin was more than correct,” Corriere dello Sport judged the booking for Lautaro Martinez to be excessive.

Inter 6-2 Pisa – Media Reserved In Marcenaro Criticism After Decent Display

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – DECEMBER 03: Referee Matteo Marcenaro gesturs during the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on December 03, 2023 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

There was also criticism for a missed caution, as “one was lacking for Piccinini after a hard challenge on Zielinski’s ankle.”

By contrast, Nicolò Barella’s yellow card drew no complaints. In total, Marcenaro issued five bookings over the course of the match.

The biggest decision of the evening came with the penalty awarded to Inter. On Piotr Zielinski’s shot, the referee pointed to the spot for handball, a call fully endorsed by the Italian press.

The report stated that Tramoni “tries to block the shot but has both arms wide,” concluding that it was “the correct decision.”

In the second half, Marcenaro opted to let play continue following a clash between Zielinski and Akinsanmiro.

The paper described that choice as “understandable,” while noting that the Pisa midfielder “took a considerable risk” with the challenge.

Overall, Corriere dello Sport handed Marcenaro a solid six, extending the same rating to the VAR team.

The review acknowledged that VAR “took a few minutes to recheck the penalty, but reviewed the entire situation correctly.”

The verdict was clear. Despite minor missteps, Marcenaro showed calm control and guided a potentially volatile match to its conclusion.