‘Certain of it’ – Genoa boss Gilardino adamant controversial Inter penalty should not have stood

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Genoa head coach Alberto Gilardino has provided his take on the penalty incident which ultimately cost his side a share of the spoils in their Serie A meeting with Inter Milan on Monday.

Genoa, for their part, made the trip to San Siro late last night, for a daunting showdown with rampant table-toppers Inter.

The Rossoblù headed into proceedings in the knowledge that they were the last team to avoid defeat against Simone Inzaghi’s troops, all the way back in December.

And, when all was said and done this time round, Genoa counted themselves extremely unlucky not to come away with a similarly impressive result.

This came as Inter stuttered to a 2-1 victory, which has since been mired in controversy.

With the Nerazzurri leading by a goal to nil late in the first-half, a penalty was awarded in their favour, for what was deemed a foul by Morten Frendrup on Nicolò Barella.

On the face of it, the decision looked a harsh one, with ensuing replays having showcased the fact that Frendrup made clear contact with the ball, making for an excellent block.

And yet, despite advice from the VAR room, referee Giovanni Ayroldi opted against making his way to the pitch-side monitor, to review his decision.

Speaking to the media post-match, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of his side’s harsh treatment at San Siro was put to the aforementioned Alberto Gilardino.

And Genoa’s headmaster was not shy in confirming his opinion that the spot-kick should not have stood.

“From the field it didn’t look like a penalty,” Gilardino began, as cited by TuttoMercatoWeb. “And reviewing the images now, I’m quite certain of it.”

The Italian tactician continued:

“When the referee called over to the VAR, he has to evaluate it again, but he didn’t. Let’s just say it is very dubious, but I prefer to talk about the performance from my lads of great courage and quality.

“It’s disappointing, as incidents change games, but we had the right approach throughout against a strong team, my lads gave our all and I am pleased with the performance.”

Conor Laird | GSFN