The analysis of the refereeing in Inter-Napoli focuses above all on an episode that caused the protests of the black and blues. A suspected handball in the area by Lobotka, not punished by referee Sozza or his collaborators at VAR, has become the subject of discussion also because it is not clear whether the contact occurred or not. There was no doubt from Barella, who was fighting for the ball with the Napoli midfielder, and from his teammates. The television cameras available, however, have not dispelled the doubts.
Lobotka's suspected handball in the area in Inter-Napoli, what happened
With the score 0-0 in the second half, there was a fierce clash in the Napoli area, with Lobotka and Barella fighting for the ball. After a deflection, the ball apparently ended up in the right hand of the Napoli midfielder, who had his arm wide open. His opponent immediately drew the referee's attention, visibly protesting. Practically all the black and blue players raised their hands, but were forced to continue the game after the interference was not punished.
No VAR intervention and the action continued, to the disappointment of the protests of Inter, who then faced a real disappointment. A little later, in the opposite action, the advantage of the friendly team came, scored by Politano. Penalty denied and 0-1: a double blow for Chivu's team.
What does the regulation say in case of Lobotka touching the ball with his hand?
Meanwhile, the episode ended up under the scrutiny of Luca Marelli, the expert on refereeing issues at DAZN. The latter did not hide his surprise: first of all, Lobotka's arm was very open and then the gesture was instinctive, with a small movement towards the ball. According to the regulations, therefore, if there had been an actual touch, all the conditions would have been met to award a free kick. The problem, however, is precisely this: the footage does not provide absolute certainty that Lobotka touched the ball with his hand.
And a little later, Marelli himself confirmed it: "We have seen all the footage we have available so far. Of course, if there are other footage, we will tell you. From this footage it is not clear whether Lobotka touched the ball or not. From one perspective, that of camera 1, it seems yes, while from the others it seems no."
