Udinese’s technical director Gianluca Nani expressed his frustration with the officiating in their 2-1 loss to Atalanta, particularly focusing on two controversial decisions.
Speaking after the match at the Gewiss Stadium, Nani stated, “I expect a book of apologies from the Italian Referees Association. Even from the stands, I noticed Hien’s handball. How can VAR not see it? It was obvious, why didn’t they spot it? Atalanta deserves compliments, they can win the Scudetto, and kudos to our boys too. I would have liked to have that penalty…”
The incident in question occurred in the first half when, during a corner kick, Hien’s arm was extended wide and high, almost at shoulder height, making contact with the ball.
Nani didn’t stop there, addressing another contentious moment: “We need to secure our safety, and it’s important to do so through this path of playing attractive football. We’ll need to be a bit more clinical. The beautiful thing is our performance. Mistakes can happen, of course. The disallowed goal? In my opinion, it’s not a foul, but that’s an interpretation. I congratulate Davis, I’m happy I can enjoy him, he’s a great striker, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him at a big club.”
Davis had found the net, but referee Di Bello disallowed the goal for a push on Marten De Roon.
