Refereeing experts Luca Marelli and Graziano Cesari both agree Pierre Kalulu’s red card was ‘a very serious error’ in Inter vs. Juventus, and Alessandro Bastoni could’ve been sent off instead, but VAR could not intervene.
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The incident transformed the Derby d’Italia at San Siro this evening, as just before half-time Kalulu was already on a yellow card when he cut across Alessandro Bastoni.
Referee Federico La Penna immediately pulled out the second yellow card and sent the Juventus defender off.
Kalulu was incredulous and made the ‘VAR’ gesture with his hands, but the protocol forbids technology being used in a yellow card situation.
Inter vs. Juventus controversy will drag on
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus reacts as he walks off after being sent off by Referee Federico La Penna (not pictured) for a second yellow card offence during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Analysing the footage on television, Italy’s refereeing pundits were in agreement that La Penna was taken in by the Bastoni simulation.
“It is a very serious error from La Penna, but there’s nothing that can be done because VAR can’t intervene on second yellow cards,” said DAZN official Marelli.
“There was no contact between Kalulu and Bastoni.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 4: Federico La Penna referee reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Cremonese at Artemio Franchi on January 4, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
On Sport Mediaset’s coverage, refereeing expert and former official Cesari was even more harsh on La Penna.
“It is a huge mistake. The second yellow card is non-existent. There is no contact between Bastoni and Kalulu, there is clear distance between the players.
“La Penna should have a clear view, but he gets it all wrong. It’s a total howler. In fact, the referee’s error also saves Bastoni from a second yellow card for simulation.”
Cristian Chivu seemed to realise this was a possibility and substituted the Italy international at half-time.
Bastoni’s unsporting behaviour went beyond the yellow card, as he was visibly celebrating behind the distraught Kalulu.