A refereeing decision in the Italian league summit between Juventus and Inter sparked widespread controversy both on and off the field, especially after defender Pierre Kalulu was sent off in the 42nd minute of the first half by a decision from referee La Penna.
Juventus officials considered the decision harsh and unjustified, sparking a wave of sharp protests at the end of the first half, specifically in the corridor leading to the dressing rooms.
As the players headed towards the tunnel, the tension rose noticeably, with several members of the technical and administrative staff surrounding the referee.
One of the most prominent protesters was coach Luciano Spalletti, who approached the referee and shouted at him in protest against the decision, considering that the expulsion "ruined the match".
Juventus sporting director Damien Comolli also got into a heated argument with the referee, before being escorted off amid a tense atmosphere.
At the same time, Spalletti intervened in an attempt to contain the situation and calm the emotions.
For his part, Giorgio Chiellini, the former Juventus defender and current director of football strategy at the club, expressed his strong objection to the decision and directed angry words at the referee, stressing his rejection of what happened.
Despite Inter winning 3-2, Kalulu's sending-off remained the most prominent event that overshadowed the Italian derby, with expectations that the controversy will continue in the coming days, both in terms of refereeing analysis and official reactions.
