After Kalulu’s red card in the Derby d’Italia, Juventus executives refuse to discuss football as Inter edge a dramatic win
The Derby d’Italia at San Siro ended with Inter celebrating a dramatic late victory — and Juventus engulfed in anger. The flashpoint was the controversial first-half red card shown to Pierre Kalulu, an incident that sparked an explosive reaction from Juventus’ top leadership.
Rather than sending head coach Luciano Spalletti to the microphones after the match, Juventus chose to speak through CEO Damien Comolli and Head of Football Strategy Giorgio Chiellini. Their message was clear: under these conditions, talking about football makes no sense.
“This Is Not a Level Fit for Serie A”
Chiellini did not hold back. The former Juventus captain directly questioned the standard of refereeing and the application of VAR protocols, calling the situation unacceptable.
“After what happened tonight, you can’t even talk about football,” Chiellini said. “This is yet another episode against us this season. The level is not adequate for a match like this. This is the spectacle we show to the world — and something has to change quickly.”
The red card, issued late in the first half, completely altered the balance of the game. Juventus managed to fight back to level the score despite being down to ten men, but ultimately conceded a decisive goal in stoppage time.
Chiellini widened his criticism beyond a single decision. “From the start of the season, everyone has pointed out that the structure simply doesn’t work,” he added. “Similar incidents change games every week. A match like Inter–Juventus cannot be decided with this kind of lightness.”
VAR Under Fire, Frustration Everywhere
According to Chiellini, the VAR protocol itself is only part of a deeper issue. “The protocol needs to be changed, but that’s not the whole problem,” he explained. “There are moments when more reflection is required. We’ve seen Gasperini, Conte, and now us standing here saying the same things. When everyone is complaining, it means something is clearly wrong.”
Comolli echoed that sentiment, describing the episode as “embarrassing” and difficult to accept. “This was watched all over the world,” the Juventus CEO said. “I told the players they did well, but the frustration was obvious — in them, in the coach, and certainly among the fans. That’s why speaking about football tonight feels pointless.”
Chivu Defends the Decision
On the other side, Inter head coach Cristian Chivu backed the referee’s call. While acknowledging the incident was light, he insisted it was still a foul.
“For me, it’s a slight touch — but it’s a touch,” Chivu said. “As a former player, with a yellow card already, I would never have put my hands on an opponent. Especially in a situation that could lead to a counterattack.”
Chivu also revealed he substituted Alessandro Bastoni shortly after, fearing potential consequences. “Kalulu is experienced,” he added. “In certain moments, you have to keep your hands to yourself.”
Despite admitting his team didn’t fully execute the game plan, Chivu embraced the result. “We hadn’t won a big match in two years,” he said. “This victory has weight. Juventus deserve credit for equalizing with ten men — we were even afraid of not winning it.”
A Derby That Leaves Scars
Inter walk away with three crucial points and renewed belief. Juventus leave San Siro convinced that the real battle was not only on the pitch, but with a refereeing system they believe is failing the league. The fallout from this Derby d’Italia is far from over — and the debate over VAR and officiating in Serie A is once again wide open.
