Juventus Defender Offers His Verdict on VAR Controversy in Late Como Win | OneFootball

Federico Gatti offered his verdict on the VAR controversy in Friday’s Serie A encounter between Como and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Thiago Motta’s charges left it late to beat the top-flight newcomers 2-1, courtesy of Randal Kolo Muani’s second brace in the Bianconeri shirt.

Juventus took the lead through the French forward midway through the first half before Assane Diao drew Como level on the stroke of halftime. The action was back and forth in the second half, with referee Rosario Abisso refusing to award a penalty to the home side at 1-1.

Anastasios Douvikas had the ball under control and ventured goalwards, only for Gatti to put his arm around him. However, Abisso deemed the contact insufficient for the spot-kick while VAR officials upheld his decision. Juventus would win the game via an 89th-minute penalty.

That left Como boss Cesc Fabregas fuming as he lashed out at referees after the game. However, Gatti insists Abisso made the right call.

“I am honestly surprised, it is strange that a coach who played at such a high level in his career would say something like that,” the Juventus center-back told Sky Sport Italia via TMW. “It is frankly ridiculous now that penalties are given for every tiny touch, we defenders are not given any support and we are excessively penalized.

“We’re not allowed to do anything anymore. If we give penalties for this, then we may as well just give up playing football.”

Juventus have briefly moved to fourth in the standings after winning back-to-back league matches for the first time since November.