Italiano understanding of Genoa rage after Bologna penalty | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano defends the decision to assign a last-gasp penalty to Bologna against Genoa, but is above all glad that ‘the real Santiago Castro is back.’

The Rossoblu had been trailing 1-0 at the Stadio Dall’Ara this afternoon to a Mikael Ellertsson cross when Castro equalised with a cheeky flick.

Deep into stoppages, and after a very long VAR review, a penalty was awarded for the Valentin Carboni handling offence, converted by Riccardo Orsolini.

The decision angered Genoa and promoted a red card for dissent to coach Patrick Vieira.

Italiano understands Genoa anger over VAR

BOLOGNA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Lorenzo De Silvestri of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Genoa CFC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I just crossed paths with a Genoa player and told him these things happen in football, we had a very similar situation go against us for Roma last season,” Italiano told DAZN Italia.

“Handball is increasingly getting punished and unfortunately we must accept these decisions. In any case, it was an intense and entertaining game, Genoa deserve credit for their performance, but we too refused to give in after going behind.

“We must continue to work and improve, these are three very important points.”

It is not the only VAR controversy that Bologna have been involved in this season.

Bologna had only scored one goal in the opening three rounds, and looked quite toothless here too until the Castro equaliser.

“I saw a different team to recent weeks, as we were playing well and the goal was in the air. Genoa try to force you out of shape, but we did well to stay calm and keep ourselves in the game,” added Italiano.

“We’ve got a lot of new players, so it will take a while to fully assimilate. We can create many more scoring opportunities, but it was a step forward today.”

BOLOGNA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Santiago Castro of Bologna FC scores the 1-1 goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Genoa CFC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Castro was an inspiration for Bologna today, as his header was palmed over the bar and he got the equaliser with a moment of magic.

“Santi is fully healed. He played with only one foot really for three months, as there was bruising on the top of the foot that just would not heal,” explained Italiano.

“That kind of setback means you can’t kick properly or even run without pain, so you’re never in good shape.

“Now he is being dynamic, covers the ball, and shows his skill. The real Santiago Castro is back.”