Former referee Piero Ceccarini returns to discuss the widely controversial incidents that marred the clash between Juventus and Inter Milan in April 1998. The two Serie A titans will renew their eternal rivalry when they cross paths this Sunday in a direct Scudetto showdown. As is often the case, this is an occasion to look back at some of the most famous incidents from the past versions of the Derby d’Italia.
In 1998, the two clubs were also embroiled in a razor-tight title race. Ceccarini was appointed as the match official. However, the referee caused a stir by opting against awarding Inter a penalty kick following a collision between Juventus defender Mark Iuliano and Ronaldo El Fenomeno. In the ensuing counter-attack, Alessandro Del Piero fell inside the box and the ref was quick to point to the spot this time, prompting a major uproar from the Inter players and technical staff. In his attempt to defend his case, Ceccarini argues that Ronaldo was the one who moved first which caused the collision. “I’ve already said it many times. The defender was stationary, and the attacker was on the move,” said the retired referee in his interview with La Repubblica via FcInter1908. “I have one regret. If I had called a foul in the buildup, I would have avoided this controversy, but I let the play go. Instead, I found myself in the middle of the vortex for months. It was hard, for me and for my family. We all suffered insults and contempt, without any reason. In hindsight, that episode damaged my entire career.” Ceccarini also admitted that he would have loved to have VAR assisting him back in the day. “Of course, I’m not infallible. I wish we had VAR in my time. Specific episodes don’t come to mind, but VAR would certainly have helped me avoid mistakes.”
The former match official feels it’s absurd to have Daniele Orsato banished from officiating the Derby d’Italia since the controversial Miralem Pjanic incident in April 2018. “This is absurd. Six years have passed since the Pjanic-Rafinha episode. Since then, Orsato has no longer refereed a match between Inter and Juventus. During my time, despite the storm, I officiated important matches for Inter in the following season. Evidently, from this point of view, we have even gone backwards”.
Source: Yardbarker