Roberto Mancini Slams Refereeing in Italy’s Defeat to Spain

Roberto Mancini Slams Refereeing After Italy’s Defeat to SpainRoberto Mancini Slams Refereeing After Italy’s Defeat to Spain Italy manager Roberto Mancini has strongly criticized the refereeing in their 2-1 defeat to Spain in the UEFA Nations League semi-final on Wednesday. Mancini’s outburst came after a contentious penalty decision in the first half that allowed Spain to take the lead. Italy also had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR, a decision that Mancini questioned the validity of. “I am angry because the referee made two major mistakes that changed the game,” Mancini told reporters after the match. “The penalty was not there. It was a clear dive by Morata. And the goal that was ruled out for offside was onside.” “It’s not easy to play against a team like Spain when you have these kinds of decisions going against you,” Mancini added. “It’s unacceptable.” The Italian manager’s comments were echoed by his players, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saying that the refereeing had been “scandalous.” Spain boss Luis Enrique defended the referee’s decisions, saying that he had “no complaints.” However, he did admit that the penalty had been “soft.” The defeat to Spain ended Italy’s hopes of reaching the Nations League final, and it also cast a shadow over their preparations for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. Italy will face England in a third-place play-off on Sunday, and Mancini will be hoping that the refereeing will be more impartial on that occasion.