Referee correct on Fiorentina 1-1 Inter handball penalty appeal
Referee correct on Fiorentina 1-1 Inter handball penalty appeal The Italian Referees Association has confirmed it was the correct decision not to award a penalty for handball in Fiorentina 1-1 Inter , despite President Beppe Marotta’s assertion. The incident happened just nine minutes into the Serie A match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday, with Inter already 1-0 up. The ball struck Fiorentina defender Marin Pongracic on the arm, but the referee and VAR waved away what were even at the time quite timid appeals.
Referees evaluate Fiorentina-Inter call PISA, ITALY – MARCH 2: General view of the VAR monitor inside the Arena Garibaldi stadium in Pisa during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Bologna FC 1909 at Arena Garibaldi on March 2, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) When he was called to speak on DAZN’s Open VAR programme to represent the AIA (Italian Referees’ Association), Mauro Tonolini was clear on the decision. “The referee read it correctly on the field, as from an excellent viewing position, he appropriately evaluates the incident,” said Tonolini.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 22: Aleksandar Kolarov vice-manager of FC Internazionale reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on March 22, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) “The ball bounces in front of Pongracic, who tries to play it with his heel, then the contact happens with the arm, which is in a natural position for the movement he is making. “It is absolutely not a situation that can be punished with handball and a penalty.
” The show also played audio of the discussion within the VAR booth between Fabio Maresca and Davide Massa. “I agree, he tries to pull the arm away. The ball bounces, the dynamics say this is not a penalty.
The ball changes direction when it bounces off the ground. ” Speaking to the media after the 1-1 draw that opened up the Scudetto race, Inter President Marotta had suggested a majority of television pundits thought this was a penalty. “I read various pundits and experts who said the Marin Pongracic handling offence was a penalty,” insisted Marotta.