Ricci Handball Controversy: Inter & Milan Legends Divided on Derby VAR Call

Former Inter star Beppe Bergomi believed the Samuele Ricci handball in the recent Milan derby warranted a pitchside VAR review. Conversely, Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta expressed satisfaction that similar incidents will no longer be penalized.

Inter's 1-0 loss to city rivals Milan on Sunday was marred by controversy surrounding a potential penalty in the final minutes, when Rossoneri midfielder Ricci inadvertently handled the ball inside the box.

Costacurta commented, "I believe the proximity influenced VAR’s evaluation. Up to now, penalties like these have always been given."

Costacurta, Di Canio, and Bergomi Examine Ricci’s Handball in Milan Derby

He further explained his change of heart: "However, I’m pleased that something has changed over the last two matchdays. In my opinion, this type of incident is never a penalty, but until two weeks ago, it was. I like that, from now on, it will no longer be considered such."

Costacurta added, "Until two weeks ago, we were complaining like crazy because they were giving these ridiculous penalties every time. Apparently, they looked at it and made an assessment. Maybe it wasn’t a clear penalty after he didn’t block a shot. I ask myself, why are we wasting so much time on this?"

Former Milan, Lazio, and Juventus striker Paolo Di Canio offered his perspective: "For me, the arm here stops the ball, which otherwise would have gone onto his side. In trying to pull his arm away, he slightly cushions the ball. The advantage gained from the instinctive movement to retract the arm is that the ball stays there." He questioned the referee's visibility: "I’d just like to see the referee’s position again and whether he had a clear view. In that situation, maybe VAR could have suggested something, or at least asked him whether he had seen it clearly."

On the other hand, Inter legend Beppe Bergomi maintained that the referee should have reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor. The 1982 Italy World Cup winner stated, "I’ve seen many penalties given this way, even less obvious ones. But I don’t want to fuel controversy. The referee didn’t see it, and the player was close. In this case, VAR should intervene; I don’t know why it didn’t."

Despite the controversial incident, Inter currently leads the Serie A table with a seven-point advantage over their city rivals. The Nerazzurri boast an impressive record of 22 wins, one draw, and five losses in 28 league matches, with two of those defeats coming against Milan.