The Derby della Madonnina takes center stage this Sunday, but it’s not just the on-field battle generating headlines. Former Serie A referee Gianpaolo Calvarese has publicly criticized the appointment of Simone Sozza as match official, calling it a “very risky choice” that could overshadow one of football’s most intense rivalries.
Table of Contents
Inter vs AC Milan: Match & Officiating Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Inter vs AC Milan (Derby della Madonnina) |
| Competition | Serie A |
| Match Date | Sunday (upcoming) |
| Referee | Simone Sozza |
| VAR Official | Gianluca Aureliano |
| AVAR | Di Paolo |
| Controversy Level | High – Past errors involving both clubs |
Sozza’s Troubled History With Inter
The 38-year-old referee’s appointment has raised eyebrows due to his problematic track record in matches involving both Milan clubs. Most notably, Sozza faced severe criticism for two high-profile incidents:
Inter vs Fiorentina Debacle
Just last month, Sozza delivered what many considered a dismal performance during Inter’s 3-0 home victory over Fiorentina. The referee refused to award two “textbook penalties” for the Nerazzurri after Fiorentina defender Pietro Comuzzo committed cynical fouls on Francesco Pio Esposito. The second incident—a blatant wrestling-style grab in the penalty area—left fans and pundits stunned when play continued unpunished.
Supercoppa Italiana Controversy
Perhaps more damaging to his credibility is Sozza’s role in last season’s Supercoppa Italiana semifinal, where his decisions directly influenced Milan’s dramatic 3-2 comeback from two goals down. The crucial moment came when Alvaro Morata committed an obvious foul on Kristjan Asllani, yet Sozza allowed play to continue, leading directly to Milan’s opening goal that sparked their improbable turnaround.
For comprehensive coverage of Serie A controversies, visit our Italian football analysis section.
Calvarese’s Scathing Assessment
The former Serie A official didn’t mince words in his Instagram critique, highlighting the bizarre logic behind Sozza’s appointment for such a high-stakes encounter.
“Probably the worst game of his career was the Supercoppa Italiana derby, Inter–Milan,” Calvarese stated bluntly. “A few weeks ago, despite a strong start to the season, he had a dreadful night in Inter–Fiorentina, failing to award two penalties. The last one was truly blatant, for a clear hold on Pio Esposito.”
Calvarese suggested that Daniele Massa would have been the natural choice for this fixture, speculating that Massa’s absence likely means he’s been reserved for Champions League duties on Tuesday. The implication is clear: Serie A’s referee selection prioritized European competition over their marquee domestic fixture.
VAR Booth Concerns Compound Worries
Beyond Sozza himself, Calvarese expressed serious reservations about the entire officiating team:
Gianluca Aureliano (VAR): Despite his competence, Aureliano delivered a “terrible” performance in Verona vs Juventus earlier this season, raising questions about his readiness for derby pressure.
Di Paolo (AVAR): His inclusion is particularly controversial given his involvement in last year’s derby amid “endless controversy” over the Thuram-Pavlovic incident that divided opinion and sparked heated debate.
“I wouldn’t have put Di Paolo back as AVAR after last year’s derby,” Calvarese emphasized, highlighting the questionable wisdom of recycling officials with contentious derby histories.
Explore more referee analysis and Serie A insights at TechnoSports.
Why This Matters for Sunday’s Derby
The Derby della Madonnina needs no additional drama—it’s already Italy’s most emotionally charged fixture. Both Inter and AC Milan fans will scrutinize every decision, and Sozza’s controversial history with both clubs ensures heightened tension.
Inter supporters remain furious about the unpunished penalties against Fiorentina, while Milan fans might view Sozza favorably after the Supercoppa semifinal. This perception of bias—regardless of reality—could poison the atmosphere and overshadow what should be a celebration of calcio excellence.
For official Serie A information and standings, visit the Lega Serie A website.
The Bigger Picture
This controversy highlights ongoing concerns about Serie A’s refereeing standards and appointment protocols. When former officials publicly question the competence of current referees for major fixtures, it undermines confidence in the system’s integrity.
With both Milan clubs competing for Serie A supremacy and Champions League glory, every point matters. A refereeing error could prove decisive not just for bragging rights, but for the entire season’s trajectory.
For more Serie A match previews and tactical breakdowns, check our complete football coverage.
FAQs
Q: Has Simone Sozza refereed previous Milan derbies?
A: Yes, most notably the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal last season where his controversial decisions helped AC Milan overcome a 2-0 deficit to beat Inter 3-2. His failure to penalize Alvaro Morata’s foul on Kristjan Asllani before Milan’s opening goal remains a particularly sore point for Inter supporters.
Q: Why is Gianpaolo Calvarese’s opinion significant?
A: As a former Serie A referee with years of top-flight experience, Calvarese understands the pressures and technical demands of officiating elite matches. His public criticism carries weight because he’s not an outside observer but someone who has stood in Sozza’s shoes. His willingness to openly question the appointment suggests genuine concern about match integrity rather than casual commentary, making his skepticism particularly noteworthy for Sunday’s high-stakes derby.
