Refereeing specialists Luca Marelli and Graziano Cesari each agree Pierre Kalulu’s crimson card was ‘a really severe error’ in Inter vs. Juventus, and Alessandro Bastoni may’ve been despatched off as an alternative, however VAR couldn’t intervene.
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The incident reworked the Derby d’Italia at San Siro this night, as simply earlier than half-time Kalulu was already on a yellow card when he minimize throughout Alessandro Bastoni.
Referee Federico La Penna instantly pulled out the second yellow card and despatched the Juventus defender off.
Kalulu was incredulous and made the ‘VAR’ gesture together with his fingers, however the protocol forbids know-how being utilized in a yellow card scenario.
Inter vs. Juventus controversy will drag on
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus reacts as he walks off after being despatched off by Referee Federico La Penna (not pictured) for a second yellow card offence in the course of the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)
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Analysing the footage on tv, Italy’s refereeing pundits had been in settlement that La Penna was taken in by the Bastoni simulation.
“It’s a very severe error from La Penna, however there’s nothing that may be carried out as a result of VAR can’t intervene on second yellow playing cards,”
“There was no contact between Kalulu and Bastoni.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 4: Federico La Penna referee reacts in the course of the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Cremonese at Artemio Franchi on January 4, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Picture by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Pictures)
On Sport Mediaset’s protection, was much more harsh on La Penna.
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“It’s a big mistake. The second yellow card is non-existent. There isn’t a contact between Bastoni and Kalulu, there’s clear distance between the gamers.
“La Penna ought to have a transparent view, however he will get all of it improper. It’s a complete howler. The truth is, the referee’s error additionally saves Bastoni from a second yellow card for simulation.”
Cristian Chivu appeared to grasp this was a risk and substituted the Italy worldwide at half-time.
Bastoni’s unsporting behaviour went past the yellow card, as he was visibly celebrating behind the distraught Kalulu.