Italian media blame Man City vs. Napoli referee despite correct red card decision | OneFootball

Italian media criticise Manchester City-Napoli referee Felix Zwayer, even if the decision to show Giovanni Di Lorenzo a red card after a VAR check was correct.

Italian newspapers criticise Manchester City vs. Napoli referee Zwayer after the Citizens’ 2-0 win over the Partenopei on Thursday night.

Corriere dello Sport was particularly critical of the German official, who was rated 4,5.

The big decision of the night came at minute 21 when Napoli defender Di Lorenzo received a straight red card for a foul on Erling Haaland.

Italian media react to Di Lorenzo’s red card in Man City vs. Napoli

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli leaves the pitch after being shown a red card for a foul on Erling Haaland of Manchester City (not pictured) during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

It was committed on the edge of the box and was a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Zwayer initially thought Di Lorenzo had touched the ball and only changed his mind after an on-field VAR review, leading to an inevitable red card for the Italy international.

Corriere dello Sport conceded that Di Lorenzo made a ‘clear’ foul and that Buongiorno was too far away, making it a genuine goal-scoring opportunity denied by the Italian defender’s tackle.

Unconvincing referee in Man City vs Napoli, according to Italian media

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Erling Haaland of Manchester City is fouled by Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli resulting in a red card during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

However, CorSport noted that Erling Haaland elbowed Sam Beukema in the build-up, so VAR should have reviewed the whole play.

Corriere dello Sport also added that Nico Gonzalez should have been booked for elbowing Frank Anguissa later in the game.

Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper rated Zwayer 5.5, writing that the 44-year-old official ‘didn’t see many fouls as he was perhaps affected by having missed Di Lorenzo’s red card.’