In a match shaped as much by its interruptions as its goals, referee Fabio Maresca kept a firm line at Genoa-Fiorentina, allowing physical contact without losing control when the contest grew tense. Eight yellow cards were shown over the afternoon, while VAR official Rosario Abisso had only a small number of decisions requiring close attention.
In the championship
Maresca’s approach reflected the standard set at the start of the season: not every contact was treated as a foul, though a few decisions still invited discussion.
Luca Ranieri’s booking was considered appropriate. The Fiorentina defender went in with a high foot and took a considerable risk, but the nature of the challenge meant a yellow card was judged sufficient rather than a dismissal.
Vitinha was more fortunate at first after a shoulder challenge on Mastantuono that merited a caution. The Portuguese player was not booked immediately, but received a yellow card a few minutes later.
- In the 19th minute, Fiorentina believed they had reduced the deficit through Gnonto. The goal was ruled out because Beto had been offside earlier in the move.
- Three minutes into the second half, Fagioli entered the Genoa penalty area and went down after contact with Junior Messias. Maresca had a clear view and correctly decided that there was no infringement.
- With ten minutes remaining, Fiorentina were awarded a free-kick on the left. Fagioli took it quickly and sent the ball into the net, but the referee had already stopped play because substitutions were taking place, so the goal could not stand.
Abisso’s VAR review confirmed the offside that had preceded Beto’s involvement in the disallowed Fiorentina goal. It was otherwise a quiet video-assistance afternoon, with few episodes requiring a detailed intervention.
