Lazio opted not to address the media following the contentious ending to their 1-0 loss against AC Milan. However, refereeing analyst Luca Marelli offered an analysis of the disputed officiating decision.
The Biancocelesti started strong at San Siro, nearly scoring within the first 90 seconds when Mike Maignan deflected a header from Mario Gila onto the crossbar.
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Maignan was also pivotal in stopping Mattia Zaccagni, but it was AC Milan who broke the deadlock shortly after halftime, thanks to a well-executed team play culminating in a goal from Rafael Leao from close range.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 29, 2025. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
A chaotic scene unfolded on the sidelines during stoppage time when referee Giuseppe Collu reviewed a possible handling offense by Strahinja Pavlovic. Ultimately, he ruled that Adam Marusic had committed a foul first.
This led to both Max Allegri and Lazio assistant manager Marco Ianni being dismissed for their protests.
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Lazio reacts to referee’s decisions
The Aquile’s dissatisfaction with the call led them to impose a media silence, meaning none of their players, coach, or club representatives addressed the media after the match.
Instead, they shared footage of the incident on their social media, accompanied by the message:
“We regret that we cannot attend the press room tonight, but we will let the images speak for themselves.”
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This decision stirred considerable controversy, prompting DAZN to seek Marelli’s insight on the matter.
“Pavlovic’s action cannot be deemed a penalty for three reasons. Firstly, the two players were too close to each other. Secondly, the arm did not move towards the ball since it was positioned behind Pavlovic, leaving him unable to see it or respond quickly enough,” he stated.
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“Collu ultimately made the correct decision but in an exaggerated manner, as stating there was a foul by Marusic seems excessive.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: Referee Giuseppe Collu during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 29, 2025. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
This assessment aligns with the opinions shared by Sky Sport Italia analysts, who referred to Collu as “a genius” for managing to evoke both approval and outrage from everyone involved.
“He allowed VAR to redeem an absurd call while also ensuring fairness by not awarding what would have been a ludicrous penalty.”