Inter Milan 3-0 Fiorentina – Ex Serie A Referee Slams Sozza: ‘WWE Challenge, Clear Penalty Denied’ | OneFootball

Former Serie A referee Mauro Bergonzi criticized the refereeing team during last night’s match between Inter Milan and Fiorentina.

Speaking to Domenica Sportiva via FCInter1908, Bergonzi blasted main referee Simone Sozza.

It feels like Inter Milan cannot escape the shadow of controversial refereeing decisions this season.

After Maurizio Mariani sealed their fate in Saturday’s defeat to Napoli, Simone Sozza added insult to injury last night.

Indeed, the 38-year-old failed to sanction two cynical fouls from Pietro Comuzzo on Francesco Pio Esposito.

Despite wrestling the Italian striker inside the box in ‘WWE’ fashion, Comuzzo got away unpunished.

Not even an extended VAR review prompted Sozza to overturn his initial decision, leaving Cristian Chivu and his staff fuming.

However, Sozza’s best effort to deny Inter two clear penalties, Chivu’s side found a way to beat La Viola.

In addition to another Serie A double from Hakan Calhanoglu, young midfielder Petar Sucic got on the board last night.

Therefore, Inter thrashed Fiorentina 3-0 to bounce back from last weekend’s upset in Naples.

Mauro Bergonzi Slams Simone Sozza After Inter Milan 3-0 Fiorentina

TORREON, MEXICO – FEBRUARY 19:Picture of the VAR system prior the 9th round match between Santos Laguna and Cruz Azul as part of the Torneo Clausura 2025 Liga MX at Corona Stadium on February 19, 2025 in Torreon, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Guadarrama/Getty Images)

“Not an easy night for Sozza, many incidents,” Bergonzi stated. “In the first half, Comuzzo held Esposito, and he overlooked it: for me, it was a clear penalty.

“In the second half, there’s another hold by Comuzzo on Esposito.

“It’s very obvious, Sozza should have seen it and made a decision on the pitch.

“Comuzzo puts his arm around the Inter striker’s neck – it looks like a wrestling move, a Californian choke.

“He grabs him by the neck and brings him to the ground: it’s an unquestionable penalty.

“Why didn’t the VAR intervene and send the referee to the monitor?

“We were stopped for a minute and a half, the VAR evaluated it, but it must be the referee who decides at the monitor.

“I don’t know why he didn’t go. This is an undisputed penalty – a mistake by the referee and the VAR.

“In the 88th minute, Bonny is fouled by Viti – second yellow and red, correct penalty.

“The left knee clearly hits Bonny’s right ankle. But that non-awarded penalty for the clear foul on Esposito remains a huge stain.”