Inter Vs AC Milan – Ex Serie A Referee Skeptical About Match Official: “Very Risky Choice” | OneFootball

Gianpaolo Calvarese questions Serie A’s decision to appoint Simone Sozza as the referee for Sunday’s match between Inter and AC Milan. 

In an Instagram post via FCInterNews, Calvarese expressed his skepticism about Sozza’s ability to officiate a game of this magnitude.

Simone Sozza came under heavy scrutiny following a dismal performance in Inter’s 3-0 home win over Fiorentina last month.

Indeed, the 38-year-old refused to award two textbook penalties for the Nerazzurri in that clash.

Fiorentina defender Pietro Comuzzo committed two cynical fouls on Francesco Pio Esposito, including a blatant wrestling-style grab in the second half.

However, both incidents went unpunished, putting Sozza under the microscope.

Moreover, Sozza’s mistakes in last season’s Supercoppa Italiana semifinal helped Milan overcome a two-goal deficit and beat Inter 3-2.

Despite Alvaro Morata’s obvious foul on Kristjan Asllani, he allowed the play to continue, which resulted in Milan’s opening goal.

Therefore, Calvarese has found Serie A’s decision to entrust Sozza with such a high-profile match mind-boggling.

Calvarese Skeptical About Sozza Ahead of Inter vs Milan Clash

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“Probably the worst game of his career was the Supercoppa Italiana derby, Inter–Milan,” Calvarese stated.

“A few weeks ago, despite a strong start to the season, he had a dreadful night in Inter–Fiorentina, failing to award two penalties.

“The last one was truly blatant, for a clear hold on Pio Esposito.

“That said, I believe the natural choice would have been Massa.

“Not seeing him appointed on Sunday likely means he will almost certainly be assigned on Tuesday in the Champions League.”

Furthermore, Calvarese also questioned Gianluca Rocchi’s choice to put Gianluca Aureliano in the VAR booth.

“Aureliano is certainly competent, but this year he performed terribly in Verona–Juve,” he added.

“I wouldn’t have put Di Paolo back as AVAR after last year’s derby.

“He was in the VAR room amid endless controversy over the Thuram–Pavlovic incident.”