Fiorentina vs. Napoli: Penalty Denied, Carlo Alvino Outraged

Controversy erupted in the closing moments of the first half of the match between Fiorentina and Napoli at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence. In the 39th minute, with the Azzurri leading 1-0 on a goal by Gilmour, a controversial play occurred that sparked a firestorm on social media.

Napoli forward Rasmus Hojlund went down in the box after contact with Fiorentina defender Radu Dragusin. Referee Doveri did not intervene despite protests from the Napoli players, who were demanding a penalty kick, and the VAR did not deem it necessary to review the play either.

On social media, journalist Carlo Alvino lashed out against the referees’ decision: “Fiorentina vs. Napoli: the penalty denied to Napoli for Dragusin’s ‘grabbing’ of Hojlund is outrageous! Disgusting!” he wrote on X.

Also in the first half, there was another clash in Napoli’s penalty area between Njie and Rrhamani, who collided heads. DAZN’s video analyst Marelli had no doubts: “Accidental collision—there’s absolutely no foul.”