Roma dropped important points on the Genoa pitch.
At Marassi, Daniele De Rossi’s team won 2-1, but Gian Piero Gasperini had loudly called for a penalty that wasn’t recognized by VAR.
After the match, he had a harsh post-match comment: “The penalty incident is different. Obviously, everyone can interpret it however they want, but the images are crystal clear. If the VAR referee didn’t see it, he should change his job,” the Giallorossi coach reportedly said.
The incident he was referring to was a touch with the arm by Ruslan Malinovskyi on a powerful shot by Manu Koné.
The following day, the Roma coach’s words were confirmed. In fact, the Italian Referees Association (AIA) expressed its support for the Grugliasco-born coach.
According to the AIA, Malinovskyi blocked Konè’s shot with his right arm out of position, in a movement inappropriate to the situation. Furthermore, the fact that the ball first hit his thigh did not negate the punishability of the act.
Therefore, the AIA believes the incident deserved a penalty, and Gasperini was right.
