The controversial incident that marked the closing stages of Milan–Lazio continues to dominate discussion in Italy, with referee chief Gianluca Rocchi publicly clarifying the position of the AIA while criticism mounts over the VAR intervention that led to widespread confusion and the double dismissal of Max Allegri and Ianni on the touchline.
The episode in question involved contact between Pavlović and Marušić in the Milan penalty area during the heated final minutes at San Siro. Lazio protested strongly for a penalty, while Milan insisted there had been a foul on their defender moments earlier. The match referee, Collu, initially waved play on, only to be called to the monitor by VAR Di Paolo for an On Field Review.
Speaking through an advanced clip published on the DAZN X profile, Rocchi distilled his verdict into a concise statement: “It deserved a check of 15 seconds. It is not a penalty, but it is never a foul to the defence. The correct decision was a corner.” His words outline the official AIA stance and reveal that, in their view, both teams benefited from refereeing errors in the confusion that followed.
Il contatto Pavlovic-Marusic in #MilanLazio al microscopio 🔬
— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) December 2, 2025
"Non è rigore, ma non è fallo alla difesa”🕵️♂️
L’analisi di Rocchi e l'audio integrale ad #OpenVAR vi aspettano su #DAZN dalle ore 15 📲 pic.twitter.com/bvtjE61olV
The audio between VAR officials and referee Collu, released in part by Sportmediaset, paints a picture of uncertainty inside the control room. The VAR team began discussing potential handball, noting that Pavlović’s arm “was close to the body, though the elbow moves slightly”, before alerting the on field referee to a “possible handball” requiring further scrutiny.
Despite internal doubts, VAR Di Paolo recommended an OFR. Once at the monitor, Collu requested to see the “timing of Marušić’s shirt pull” and opted to punish that moment instead, stating on camera: “There is the handball, but there is also the foul before. I am giving a defensive free kick.” VAR officials acknowledged it was “his decision”, though some privately disagreed on whether the Lazio player had indeed committed the initial foul.
It was during this chaotic exchange that tension spilled over on the touchline, leading to the expulsions of Allegri and Ianni. While Collu’s overall performance was judged “positive” by AIA leadership, VAR Di Paolo is expected to receive a formal internal downgrade. According to Rocchi and senior refereeing figures, the VAR should not have summoned the referee for an OFR in this case, as the footage did not meet the threshold of a “clear and obvious error”.
Collu’s decision to award a defensive free kick was, therefore, an incorrect interpretation of the sequence, influenced by an unnecessary VAR intervention.
Ahead of the Coppa Italia rematch between the sides, Maurizio Sarri gave his first public comments on the matter. The Lazio coach chose silence immediately after the match but addressed the controversy two days later.
“We need to reset everything and focus on the next match without creating alibis about refereeing,” Sarri said. “What comes to mind is a suggestion: move the VAR stations to the opposite side of the benches. The referee must make decisions in a much calmer environment than the one I saw.”
Asked whether Lazio would play with “revenge” on their minds, Sarri dismissed the idea: “We have our own objectives. The last thing we need is another nervous match.”
The release of the partial VAR audio, Rocchi’s clarification and Sarri’s diplomatic appeal have only added layers to an already complex narrative. While AIA insist the case is “closed”, both clubs and supporters remain divided.
What is certain is that the incident has highlighted once again the fragility of communication within VAR protocols and the pressure match officials face in moments of peak tension. With Milan and Lazio meeting again in only two days, the fallout from San Siro will remain an unavoidable backdrop.
