Juventus-Napoli, live refereeing analysis: Koopmeiners risks a red card. Marelli: “The contact is high, but the foot slips quickly”
The refereeing incidents in the match that brings Sunday’s action in the 10th round of Serie A to a close
Juventus-Napoli is more than a historic clash in Italian football. It brings together intertwined stories, particularly those of managers Luciano Spalletti and Massimiliano Allegri. Both clubs go into the match nine points behind Como, making the three points crucial to their hopes of a Champions League place. The stakes put pressure on the match officials, too. Refereeing appointments chief Orsato has picked Sozza to take charge. Here are the most contentious refereeing decisions in our analysis.
Juventus v Napoli: the full refereeing appointments
Juventus v Napoli Sunday at 20.45
Sozza
Imperiale - Colarossi
Fourth official: Doveri
VAR: Meraviglia
AVAR: Gariglio
Marelli’s comment: “The foot slides towards the ankle”
Refereeing analyst Luca Marelli said: "From the footage we’ve seen, Koopmeiners should have been shown a yellow card. The contact is high on the calf, halfway between the calf and the ankle. Let’s see what they say at VAR, although serious foul play is a possibility. The point of contact is very high, but I want to make one fundamental point: the right foot slides off the ankle, so the threshold for a red card is not met."
11' Koopmeiners risks a red card
Frank Anguissa takes a huge risk as the last man, failing to spot Koopmeiners pressing high up the pitch. Koopmeiners tries to tackle him but catches Anguissa before making contact with the ball, which goes out over the byline. The replay shows a clear foul: the Dutchman's initial point of contact is very high. Sozza makes no decision and VAR does not intervene.
10' McKennie risks a yellow card
Napoli protest to Sozza after McKennie’s challenge stops De Bruyne’s break towards Vicario’s goal. The referee waves play on and takes no action, despite the high risk.
