Former Serie A referee plays down controversial decisions in Milan defeat to Parma – Football Italia

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Mariano Troilo of Parma Calcio celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Parma’s late 1-0 victory against Milan at San Siro has continued to generate significant debate in the days that followed, with the goal that settled the match, scored by Troilo in the closing stages, at the centre of a storm of controversy.

Milan were upset, pointing to what they believed was obstruction by Valenti on goalkeeper Mike Maignan, as well as a foul by Troilo on Bartesaghi in the build-up.

The incident was reviewed at length by VAR, with referee Piccinini eventually reversing his original decision to disallow the goal, a call that has divided opinion sharply among analysts and former officials.

Tommasi plays down Milan v Parma controversy

One of the most respected voices in Italian refereeing, Dino Tommasi, addressed both incidents on Open VAR, and his assessment largely vindicated the officials on the day.

On the question of Valenti’s positioning in front of Maignan, Tommasi was clear, with quotes via Di Marzio.

“Piccinini initially whistled for obstruction by Valenti on Maignan, but in reality the Parma player does not move toward Maignan,” he said.

“Not whistling was the correct decision.” It is a view that contrasts sharply with Luca Marelli, who argued earlier in the week that Valenti’s block was deliberate and in breach of Rule 12.

On Troilo’s challenge on Bartesaghi, Tommasi was equally unconcerned. “Troilo does not foul, he simply wins the jump before Bartesaghi,” he said.

“He leans on him, but that is a natural, physiological movement.”

Tommasi also weighed in on the collision between Corvi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, which resulted in the Milan midfielder suffering a fractured alveolar bone, an injury that required surgery.

Despite the seriousness of the outcome, Tommasi maintained there was nothing untoward about the challenge.

“The on-field decision was correct. It was an accidental clash. Corvi was going for the ball but was beaten to it by his own teammate.”

His comments are unlikely to fully satisfy Milan supporters, for whom the defeat, and the manner of it, remains a deeply contentious subject.

But from an officiating standpoint, Tommasi’s verdict is clear: the right calls were made.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​