Refereeing chiefs ready to admit error in Inter Milan–Atalanta

Controversy over Frattesi incident as Manganiello faces criticism

The controversy surrounding the 1–1 draw between Inter Milan and Atalanta continues to dominate discussion in Italy, with refereeing authorities reportedly ready to acknowledge a mistake regarding a late penalty incident.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908, officials within the Italian Referees Association believe one of the two controversial moments in the match was judged incorrectly.

The two contested incidents by Inter Milan

The first episode occurred in the build-up to Atalanta’s equaliser. Denzel Dumfries was challenged by Ibrahim Sulemana while trying to control the ball. The Inter Milan wing-back fell to the ground after contact, but the referee allowed play to continue and the goal stood.

The decision sparked strong protests from Inter Milan’s bench and led to the dismissal of head coach Cristian Chivu.

However, according to refereeing officials, allowing play to continue after the contact between Sulemana and Dumfries was considered a legitimate decision, as the push and contact were judged not to be decisive enough to stop the action.

The penalty that should have been given

The bigger controversy came later when Davide Frattesi reached the ball ahead of Giorgio Scalvini inside the Atalanta penalty area. 

Scalvini appeared to strike the Inter Milan midfielder under the foot during the challenge.

Referee Gianluca Manganiello waved play on, and the VAR, Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Gariglio, did not intervene.

According to the refereeing leadership headed by Gianluca Rocchi, this was the real mistake. 

Similar challenges in recent seasons have almost always resulted in a penalty, and Manganiello was expected to recognise the foul during live play.

VAR silence under scrutiny

The lack of VAR intervention has also raised questions. Officials reportedly felt that a review would have been appropriate, given that similar situations in the past have consistently led to penalties after video checks.

Despite the controversy, Manganiello is not expected to face a formal suspension. 

Instead, he will likely be rotated out of upcoming matches and could return to officiating after the international break, either in Serie A or possibly in Serie B.