Inter Wins Derby d'Italia Against Juventus Amidst Referee Controversy

Italy - Ekhbary News Agency

Inter Claims Dramatic Derby d'Italia Victory Over Juventus Amidst Refereeing Storm

The iconic San Siro stadium bore witness to a pulsating Derby d'Italia on February 14, 2026, as Inter Milan edged out rivals Juventus with a thrilling 3-2 scoreline. However, the victory was overshadowed by significant controversy surrounding the officiating, particularly a pivotal red card decision against Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu in the first half, which fueled intense protests from the Turin club.

The match commenced with a cautious approach from both sides, but the intensity quickly escalated. Inter drew first blood in the 17th minute through an own goal by Juventus defender Cambiaso. A cross from Inter's Luis Henrique deflected off Cambiaso, looping over his own goalkeeper Di Gregorio and into the net. Juventus, however, responded swiftly. In the 26th minute, Cambiaso redeemed himself at the right end, scoring the equalizer. A cross from Weston McKennie found Cambiaso, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past Inter goalkeeper Sommer.

The game intensified as halftime approached, and in the 42nd minute, the match took a controversial turn. Pierre Kalulu, already on a yellow card, was sent off for a second bookable offense following a challenge on Inter's Alessandro Bastoni. The decision sparked immediate uproar from the Juventus bench and players. Many observers and Juventus officials argued that Bastoni exaggerated contact, and the referee, La Penna, should have recognized simulation rather than awarding a foul and a second yellow. The expulsion meant Juventus would have to play the entire second half with ten men, a situation that deeply frustrated the visitors.

Following the halftime whistle, Juventus officials and staff expressed their fury. Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus's Director of Football Strategy, was seen confronting the referee in the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms, with video footage circulating on social media showing his strong objections. Juventus CEO Damien Comolli was also reportedly involved in heated exchanges. Manager Luciano Spalletti was seen trying to de-escalate the situation, pulling Comolli away from the referee.

In a post-match interview with Sky Sport, Chiellini voiced his profound disappointment: "You can't talk about football after what happened today, it becomes difficult. Something unacceptable happened today, yet another episode from the start of the season that happens to us or others. This mistake is unacceptable, it's unacceptable to ruin a match like this. It's unacceptable that there isn't an adequate level for a match of this magnitude."

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Juventus battled hard in the second half. Inter, seeking to capitalize on their advantage, pushed forward. In the 76th minute, substitute Esposito put Inter back in front with a well-placed header from a pinpoint cross by Dimarco. However, Juventus demonstrated their resilience, with captain Locatelli leveling the score in the 83rd minute. His precise shot from the edge of the area found the bottom corner, leaving Sommer with no chance.

Just as it seemed the spoils would be shared, Inter Milan snatched a dramatic winner in the 90th minute. Piotr Zielinski received the ball just outside the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that nestled into the far corner, sending the San Siro into raptures and securing a crucial three points for Inter.

This victory extends Inter Milan's lead at the top of the Serie A table, putting them eight points clear of rivals AC Milan. Juventus, meanwhile, remains embroiled in a tight race for Champions League qualification spots. The Derby d'Italia once again lived up to its billing for drama and intensity, but the lingering debate over the referee's decisions will undoubtedly be a major talking point in the coming days.

Source: Ekhbary News Agency