Serie A Designator Hails Inter Milan Vs Lazio Referee Despite Several Controversial Decisions: “Positive Performance In A Difficult Contest” | OneFootball

Gianluca Rocchi praised under-fire referee Daniele Chiffi despite all the controversy surrounding Sunday’s draw between Inter Milan and Lazio.

Speaking to DAZN via FCInterNews, the Serie A designator hailed the 40-year-old for a ‘positive performance’ at San Siro.

Daniele Chiffi made a mess in arguably the most significant game of the season.

Indeed, his decisions could directly cost Inter the Scudetto.

Lazio held the Nerazzurri to a 2-2 draw last weekend but had a substantial helping hand from Chiffi.

For context, Pedri’s equalizer came as a result of a dubious VAR call.

Despite being flagged offside by the linesman, VAR deemed Boulaye Dia’s position inconsequential and awarded Lazio the goal.

Though Denzel Dumfries restored Inter’s lead, his heroics were in vain as Chiffi landed a knockout punch toward stoppage time.

He penalized Yann Bisseck for a questionable handball inside the box, sending Pedro to the spot.

And the veteran forward had no mercy, drawing Lazio level again, though this time, there was no way back for Inter.

Gianluca Rocchi Praises Daniele Chiffi After Controversial Serie A Draw Between Inter Milan & Lazio

FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 5: referee Daniele Chiffi looks on during the Serie A TIM match between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 5, 2023 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“Bisseck starts off in a position that conceptually wouldn’t be punishable,” Rocchi claimed. “But then he extends his elbow and instinctively brings his arm to the ball.

‘Therefore, he had to give a penalty. I understand it’s hard to accept in the final minutes, and Chiffi’s positioning wasn’t ideal.

“A handball in those moments has to be reviewed carefully.”

Meanwhile, Chiffi’s decisions didn’t sit well with Nicolo Barella, who fiercely protested over a dubious penalty decision.

“We’re playing for our lives, you’re not,” the diminutive midfielder told Chiffi, who replied: “We are two.”

Taking stock of the incident, Rocchi stated: “That was the right response.

“Even though Barella’s protest was strong, it was still respectful. Chiffi had a good match in a difficult setting.

“It was a tough, finely balanced game, and he took the right and proper approach.

“A positive performance in a challenging context.”