Ref chief: Napoli’s goal against Atalanta wrongly disallowed, but penalty decision correct

Referee chief Dino Tommasi admits Napoli’s second goal against Atalanta should have stood, but it was correct to revoke a penalty kick for the Partenopei following a VAR check.

Dino Tommasi, a member of the Italian referee-appointing committee, has issued a verdict on the controversial incidents that occurred during Napoli’s 2-1 loss against Atalanta on Sunday.

Referee chief gives verdict on Atalanta vs. Napoli incidents

The Partenopei had a penalty kick revoked in the first half following a VAR check, and referee Daniele Chiffi also ruled out their second goal scored by Miguel Gutierrez after the break.

The referee’s decision infuriated the Partenopei, who sent director Giovanni Manna in front of the media to complain.

Tommasi, however, believes that the penalty kick in the first half was rightfully revoked.

“It’s a correct decision; it’s not a foul. Hojlund goes for the contact while Hien stands still,” Tommasi told DAZN via Gianluca Di Marzio.

“Chiffi was very well positioned but had the wrong feeling. Then he corrected himself with the review. Aureliano and Di Paolo at VAR worked well.”

On the other hand, the decision to rule out Napoli’s second goal for Hojlund’s foul on Hien was deemed incorrect.

“Hojlund steals a march on Hien; it’s too little to consider it a foul,” Tommasi said via ANSA.

“It’s an on-field mistake, but the referee’s central role is important. With a correct decision on the pitch, everything would have been different. In this match, Chiffi maintained a very high technical threshold, blowing the whistle very little, even on significant challenges. He let the play continue, whereas he noticed that in the first stance, the penalty incident and this one, he lowered the threshold considerably.”

Napoli’s loss to Atalanta leaves the Partenopei in third position in Serie A, level on 50 points with Roma.