Fiorentina vs. Juventus: Controversy Mounts; Ezio Greggio Weighs In as Well

The controversy continues to rage following the incident involving Joao Mario in the final minutes of the match between Fiorentina and Juventus. The Fiorentina player, on loan from Juventus, touched the ball with his arm in the Fiorentina penalty area, but referee Andrea Colombo did not call a penalty kick, and the VAR did not intervene.

Countless Juventus fans have criticized the referee’s decision, and Ezio Greggio, a well-known Juventus supporter, also weighed in on social media: “We thank Vicario, but also the Bishop, the Cardinal, and all the Saints for our goalkeeper’s saves. Juventus takes home 1 point, undoubtedly thanks to Vicario’s cat-like saves. If that handball had been against us, would they have called a penalty? Of course they would have. Juve may not have deserved to win, but penalties are penalties. We need our good players to return to raise the level of play. Anyway, Forza Juve now and forever.”

Influencer Andrea Panciroli was particularly outspoken: “A blatant robbery in Florence,” he began in his video posted on X. “A penalty was denied to Juventus for a clear handball by Joao Mario in the box. He touched it with his arm—how could they not check the VAR? It’s madness.”

Radio announcer Edoardo Mecca didn’t hold back either: “In such a tight game, the penalty not called for Joao Mario’s clear handball was unforgivable. A point that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. Come on, guys, how is this possible?”

Fiorentina broke the deadlock in the 4th minute thanks to a goal by Mateo Pellegrino, then Woltemade capitalized on an assist from Kolo Muani to tie the game. In the second half, Njie put the Viola ahead, but about ten minutes later, Bremer scored the goal that tied the match at 2-2.
In the closing minutes, Fiorentina scored what would have been the 3-2 goal through Dragusin, but referee Andrea Colombo disallowed the goal due to a foul on Bremer.