Marelli defends no‑penalty decision on Pongracic handball in Fiorentina vs Inter

Match overview

On 22 Mar 2026 the Serie A clash between Fiorentina and Inter ended in a 1‑1 draw. A cross from the right by Dumfries set the stage for the controversy.

The handball incident

In the seventh minute the ball reached Pongracic’s right arm after Ranieri and Esposito failed to connect. The referee Colombo allowed play to continue and the VAR did not intervene.

• Match result: 1‑1
• Incident minute: 7th
• Referee: Colombo
• VAR: No review
• Expert opinion: Marelli – no penalty

“In the seventh minute, there’s a cross and Pongracic touches the ball with his right hand: his arm remains still throughout and is in a natural position… they judged this arm action not to be punishable, and for me that is the correct decision because there are no grounds for a penalty.”

Marelli’s expert analysis

Former referee Luca Marelli, appearing on DAZN’s Fuoriclasse, emphasized that the arm was stationary and the touch was unexpected, concluding that the decision to let play continue was correct.

This final comment left no room for further interpretation, reinforcing the view that the handball did not merit a penalty.