Italian newspapers’ verdict on controversial Atalanta penalty against Milan

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Atalanta were given a ‘clear’ penalty against Milan on Sunday, but Gazzetta dello Sport raises doubts about the ‘intensity’ of the impact.

There was controversy on Sunday night when Atalanta were given a spot kick in the first half of an away game at Milan for an Olivier Giroud foul on Emil Holm.

The French striker missed the clearance and hit the Atalanta wing-back on his arm and chest and Holm fell down clutching his face.

Referee Daniele Orsato initially waved play on, but was soon urged at the pitchside monitor to review the incident.

Italian sports papers on Monday have different views on Orsato’s decision to eventually give a penalty to Atalanta. It was a key call as Teun Koopmeiners converted from the spot, helping Atalanta secure a 1-1 draw.

According to Matteo Dalla Vite’s analysis on Gazzetta page 10, there are doubts over the ‘intensity’ of Giroud’s challenge, which probably didn’t justify Holm’s fall. Nevertheless, Orsato was rated 6/10.

Former Serie A official Gianpaolo Calvarese, now a referee pundit for Tuttosport, said the same on page 15. On the other hand, according to CorSport, the penalty kick for Atalanta was ‘clear.’