Serie A Roundup: Refereeing Controversies Overshadow Derby d’Italia as Sassuolo and Napoli Claim Key Wins
2026-02-15 · Serie A
The 25th round of Serie A has seen intense matches, most notably Inter Milan's narrow 3-2 victory over Juventus marred by a contentious red card, which has sparked criticism towards referees and VAR. Meanwhile, Sassuolo reversed an early deficit to defeat Udinese 2-1, and Napoli prepares to host Roma in a crucial fixture. The refereeing chief admits mistakes but cites players’ simulation as a challenging factor.
The 25th round of the Serie A 2025/2026 campaign has provided fans with gripping encounters and hot topics, most notably regarding refereeing decisions impacting the Derby d’Italia between Inter Milan and Juventus. Inter clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory thanks to Piotr Zielinski’s last-minute winner, but the outcome was clouded by controversy surrounding Pierre Kalulu’s red card — a decision now openly criticized by the Serie A refereeing director Gianluca Rocchi.
The Derby d’Italia Controversy
The French defender Pierre Kalulu was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card from referee Federico La Penna for an alleged foul on Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni. However, video replays clearly demonstrated minimal contact. Rocchi expressed his disappointment, stating, “We are very disappointed by La Penna’s decision, which is clearly wrong, and by the fact that VAR couldn’t be used to correct it.” He added, “La Penna is mortified, and we stand by him, but I have to be honest — he isn’t the only one who made a mistake, because yesterday there was a clear simulation. The latest in a long series in a league where they try in every way to trick us.” This pointed accusation towards Bastoni's gamesmanship highlights the difficulties referees face in managing contact and deception.
Despite this, Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini called for Rocchi to resign, highlighting wider dissatisfaction with refereeing standards. The incident has sparked debate on the effectiveness of the current officiating system and VAR's role in correcting such pivotal errors.
Sassuolo’s Comeback Seals Victory at Udine
In other Serie A action, Sassuolo overturned an early deficit to claim a 2-1 away win against Udinese. The hosts took the lead in the 11th minute through Solet, capitalizing on a subpar save by goalkeeper Muric. Sassuolo struggled initially but showed resilience with Laurientè equalizing just after the hour mark, followed by Pinamonti’s swift strike two minutes later to complete the turnaround. Although Udinese thought they had rescued a point via Bertola in the 70th minute, the goal was disallowed for a handball. The final scoreline underscores Sassuolo’s determination to improve their standing.
Tactical Notes and Lineups Ahead
Looking ahead, the 25th round continues with several key fixtures. Napoli hosts Roma in a marquee matchup tonight at the Maradona stadium, with both sides closely monitoring player fitness. Beukema is expected to start for Napoli, while Roma will rely on Ghilardi in defense despite injury setbacks to Hermoso and Dybala. This game promises to be decisive for European qualification hopes.
Meanwhile, teams like Milan, Lazio, and Atalanta prepare for their fixtures with tactical adjustments. Milan’s expected 3-5-2 formation features Modric and Rabiot in midfield, while Lazio integrates a forward line with Maldini, Isaksen, and Noslin. Gasperini’s Atalanta employs a 3-4-2-1 setup, emphasizing wing-backs and a dynamic forward trio.
The Challenge of Fair Play and Officiating in Serie A
The refereeing controversy from the Inter vs Juventus derby has amplified discussions about fairness and consistency in Italian football officiating. Rocchi’s candid acknowledgment of La Penna’s mortification and his pointed criticism of simulation reflect ongoing frustrations with players exaggerating contact. Yet the responsibility to manage such behavior rests on both match officials and technological support such as VAR.
As Serie A enters a crucial phase in the title race and European qualification battles, maintaining refereeing integrity will be pivotal. Fans and stakeholders alike await reforms to restore confidence after a season increasingly marked by disputes and debates.
In conclusion, while Serie A football continues to thrill with competitive encounters, the intertwining issues of refereeing quality and players’ conduct remain central talking points. The round 25 developments—from the Derby d’Italia drama to Sassuolo’s resilience and upcoming fixtures—set the stage for an electrifying remainder of the season.