BERGAMO, ITALY – Inter Milan opted for a striking silence following Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium, a decision stemming from deep frustration over what club officials perceived as unfavorable refereeing. The unusual move, confirmed by multiple reports, involved a complete media blackout initiated by Inter’s leadership immediately after the final whistle. The core issue? Two contentious calls that left the Nerazzurri feeling aggrieved.
The decision to forgo post-match commentary wasn’t impulsive. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, a two-hour summit took place in the San Siro dressing room, bringing together Inter President Giuseppe Marotta, sporting director Piero Ausilio, and other key figures including Cristian Chivu, Baccin, and club manager Riccardo Ferri. The consensus was unanimous: the anger within the room was too intense to risk potentially inflammatory statements that could invite further sanctions, particularly given Chivu’s existing touchline ban.
At the heart of the discontent were two specific incidents. The first involved a challenge by Atalanta’s Nadir Zortea, known as Sulemana, on Inter’s Denzel Dumfries in the build-up to Teun Koopmeiners’ equalizer. Inter officials believed the challenge warranted a foul, potentially preventing the scoring opportunity. More significantly, Inter felt a clear penalty should have been awarded when Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini fouled Davide Frattesi. This particular decision has since been privately acknowledged as incorrect by officials from the AIA (Associazione Italiana Arbitri), the Italian Referee Association.
The silence from Inter wasn’t simply a spontaneous reaction; it was a calculated act of self-preservation. The club, already navigating a tense period following recent controversies, including a dispute surrounding Alessandro Bastoni during the Milan derby, clearly aimed to avoid escalating the situation and potentially facing additional disciplinary action. Marotta reportedly engaged in a “polite” discussion with the officiating crew following the match, seeking clarification on the decisions.
This isn’t an isolated incident for Inter. The club reportedly reminded officials of previous instances where VAR decisions went against them, citing a penalty awarded to Juventus following a challenge involving Dumfries and Alex Sandro in October 2021, and another awarded to Hellas Verona against Matteo Darmian in January 2024. These past grievances appear to have fueled the current frustration.
Giuseppe Marotta, who assumed the role of Chairman and CEO of Inter Milan in June 2024, has a long and distinguished career in Italian football administration. His experience includes roles with Varese, Monza, Como, and Venezia, where he oversaw the club’s promotion to Serie A in 1998. He later served as a general manager at Atalanta before joining Inter. Marotta’s leadership is now focused on navigating this delicate situation and ensuring the club’s interests are protected.
The decision to remain silent speaks volumes about the current climate surrounding Serie A officiating. Although Inter chose not to publicly air their grievances, the underlying message is clear: the club believes they were unfairly disadvantaged. The incident raises broader questions about consistency in refereeing decisions and the role of VAR in Italian football.
Inter Milan will require to quickly refocus as they prepare for their next fixture. The team will undoubtedly be looking to put this controversy behind them and regain momentum in the Serie A title race. The club has not yet announced when they will lift the media blackout, but It’s expected to be timed strategically to avoid further inflaming the situation.
The next match for Inter Milan is yet to be confirmed, but details will be available on the official Inter Milan website and through Serie A’s official channels. Fans can follow updates on the club’s social media accounts for the latest news and information.
