Cremonese v Napoli: refereeing rows, key calls and VAR verdict | OneFootball

The officiating by Maurizio Mariani in the Cremonese-Napoli match, valid for the eighteenth day of Serie A, inevitably comes under scrutiny. At the Zini Stadium, there were no shortage of controversial episodes, intense protests, and interpretations that sparked debate, especially regarding two penalties requested by Napoli that were not granted.

Cremonese-Napoli under the microscope: refereeing controversies, key decisions, and the verdict of the replay

The replay analysis by Dazn, entrusted to former international referee Luca Marelli, attempted to clarify, offering a technical reading of the most controversial episodes.

The profile of Maurizio Mariani: technology, method, and personality

Born in 1982, from Rome, Maurizio Mariani is one of the most experienced referees in the Italian scene. His personal journey is atypical: a past in the Navy, studies at the Morosini Naval School in Venice, and training as an IT consultant, which reflects in an extremely analytical approach to officiating. It is no coincidence that he is known for his obsessive attention to detail and his habit of consulting monitors and images at the VAR.

His debut in Serie A dates back to January 6, 2013 (Chievo-Atalanta), while his stable promotion came in 2015. His resume also includes prestigious matches, such as the Milan derby officiated last season. In Cremona, Mariani arrives after his last outing in Fiorentina-Udinese, with the aim of ensuring control and consistency.

Previous encounters with Cremonese and Napoli

Before Cremonese-Napoli, Mariani had officiated:

Cremonese: 9 previous encounters, with a record of 2 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses. The last meeting was a year ago at the Zini against Sampdoria in Serie B.

Napoli: 11 matches officiated, with 4 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses for the Azzurri.

Numbers that paint a balanced picture, but did not avoid the controversies of this match.

Discipline and refereeing team

Mariani was assisted by linesmen Bindoni and Tegoni, with Ferrieri Caputi as the fourth official. At VAR Maggioni, at AVAR Sozza. During the match, four players were booked: Juan Jesus, McTominay, Barbieri, and Bonazzoli.

The key episodes of Cremonese-Napoli: the replay in detail

The match opens with a curious incident in the 7th minute, when Milinkovic-Savic requests the substitution of a ball deemed deflated. Mariani tests it and reassures the goalkeeper: “Come on, this one is fine.”

In the 12th minute, the goal that unlocks the game arrives: Hojlund scores and the VAR confirms the regularity of the action. In the 25th minute, the Napoli forward falls in the area after a clash with Audero, but the referee lets it go, explaining loudly: “Ball, ball, ball, ball, he got the ball.”

Two minutes later, Cremonese protests for a contact on Zerbin: Mariani is adamant and shouts “That’s never a penalty.” An episode that sets the tone for the game. In the 33rd minute, the first yellow card is issued to Juan Jesus.

Before the break, Napoli doubles again with Hojlund, skillfully positioning himself in a regular position. In the second half, bookings for McTominay (48’) and Barbieri (58’).

The most contested actions, however, come in the second part of the match:

in the 62nd minute, Gutierrez claims a penalty for a possible handball by Terracciano, but Mariani lets play continue;

in the 71st minute, Neres falls in the area after a contact at speed: again, for the referee, there is nothing punishable.

In the 84th minute, a yellow card for protests to Bonazzoli. After injury time, the match ends 0-2 for Napoli.

Luca Marelli’s verdict: why Mariani did well

Luca Marelli, Dazn talent and former referee, explains the officiating choices. On the penalty requested by Cremonese, the judgment is clear: “I agree with Mariani: Zerbin tries to enter the area, there’s a light contact from Rrahmani who then retracts his leg. The defender stops, while Zerbin seeks the contact.”

Regarding the two penalties requested by Napoli, Marelli clarifies: “The handball by Terracciano exists, but it is not punishable: the arm is lowering and it’s an unexpected ball. Correct decision and VAR rightly silent.” On the contact between Baschirotto and Neres, the conclusion is equally clear: “Very light contact, moreover outside the area, and in any case not irregular.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.