Forty-one years old in September, construction engineer, referee since 2003, Piccinini was the a somewhat surprising choice by Rocchi for Udinese-Inter, a first-tier match that closed the Serie A round on Monday night. Let’s see how Forlì’s whistle fared at the Dacia Arena.
Click here to see the highlights of Udinese-Inter
Piccinini’s history with Udinese and Inter
In total, the previous matches against the Bianconeri were 4 draws, 2 wins and 2 defeats. With Inter 3 previous matches with 2 wins and a draw in 2020 against Parma. The first and only episode of this season dates back to large victory for Inzaghi’s boys obtained 4-0 on Salernitana last February.
The referee cautioned 3 players
Assisted by assistants Vivenzi and Cecconi, with Baroni acting as IV Man. Var entrusted to Serra and Aureliano as AVar, the referee booked three players, two of which were from Inzaghi’s team, both of whom were within a booking of a booking: Pereyra (U) Pavard (I) Martinez (I). Time added: First half 3′ Second half 7′
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Udinese-Inter, the slow-motion cases
These are the dubious episodes. In the 10th minute, contact between Dimarco and Ehizibue in the Udinese penalty area: the push to signal a penalty kick was too light, well done Piccinini. A minute later, a short check by VAR for a handball from Bijol on the next corner. His arm is attached to the body, we can continue. In the 48th minute Carlos Augusto’s goal was disallowed for offside on Lautaro’s header. The VAR check also checked Kristensen’s handball on the Toro pass: the arm was considered to be in a natural position compared to the body of the Udinese player while the offside is there. In the 54th minute, late intervention, with a high hold, by Okoye on Thuram. For Piccinini there is no doubt: the short VAR check confirms the match director’s decision, it is a penalty.
For Marelli, Piccinini’s decisions were correct
Luca Marelli clarifies this. The Dazn expert starts from the disallowed goal: “Pretty complex check, actually there was a touch of Kristensen’s arm with his right arm, which however was very close to the body and in a natural position. Then there was the offside position of Carlos Augusto, who was offside at least with his left leg.” Marelli also promotes the referee for the penalty: “Cioffi also said it was a rash exit by Okoye, but today there was a difference with the other cases: the Udinese goalkeeper never sees the ball. This is one of those penalties that are assessed on the pitch, if Piccinini hadn’t blown the VAR whistle he wouldn’t have intervened.
Thuram jumps from a standing start and Okoye goes at him: the intensity isn’t VAR-worthy, it’s a penalty that still fits because Okoye never sees the ball.” Luca Marelli’s opinion does not find agreement with former striker Luca Toni who explained his point of view from the ‘Supertele’ studies: “In my opinion there’s a bit of confusion. Sometimes there are penalties that are given, other times they are not given. We talked about the one in Florence with Nzola-Sommer, the one with Milk, the one in Lecce-Roma with Zalewski… different decisions were made compared to Udinese-Inter.”
Source: Ansa