Will Inter Milan Hold a Farewell Ceremony for Ausilio Before the Crucial Match? Refereeing Team May Become the Focus of Controversy

From yesterday until now, every Italian media report, program, and article related to Inter Milan has mentioned Ausilio. This shows how significant the departure of the current sporting director, who has served the Nerazzurri for 28 years, is to Italian football.

Many people dismiss this, believing that clubs can continue fighting and growing after anyone leaves. That is true, but 28 years represent all the freely controllable time a person can give. The years of growth and the years of farewells were all given by Ausilio to Inter Milan, which naturally brings sadness when remembered.

Have we ever thought that one day any of us may also become the person others dismiss? We may rehearse countless farewells in our minds, only to be left with a brief glance and an official announcement.

Therefore, although it may be rushed, the writer hopes Inter Milan can arrange a farewell ceremony for Ausilio before the match against Napoli or during halftime. It would be a dignified tribute to someone connected with the club for 28 years and a comfort to everyone who will eventually say goodbye.

I. Referee

One day before Inter's match against Napoli, Abisso, who had previously been removed from the referee list, successfully appealed and returned to the Serie A officiating group.

Previously, matches involving Inter Milan officiated by Abisso as referee or VAR official had frequently sparked controversy, with claims of major errors and missed calls, leading to strong criticism from Inter supporters and club circles.

However, such a referee returned to officiating shortly before such an important match, which the article describes as a coincidence.

First, Inter will face Napoli from Campania, the reigning champions' direct opponent in a matchup between last season's first and second-place teams. Second, Abisso is from Sicily.

The article questions the meaning of several coincidences occurring together at this time and background, criticizing the authority and decisions of the Italian refereeing association.

The writer originally wanted to include a photo of Abisso here, but decided against it.

II. Still the referees

The refereeing team for Inter Milan's home match against Napoli is: referee Sozza; assistant referees Baccini and Dionisi; fourth official Doveri; VAR Di Paolo; AVAR Dionisi.

1. Sozza

So far this season, Sozza has been occupied with UEFA Champions League qualifying matches and has not appeared in Serie A. His first match of the season will be this high-profile Italian top clash.

Sozza is not considered a major problem for Inter, but he officiated two Milan derbies in recent years, both ending in Inter defeats amid controversial physical play and disputed key decisions.

In the 2024 Italian Super Cup final, Inter suffered a comeback defeat against AC Milan. During the match, Asllani was brought down while in possession, but Sozza ruled there was no foul and did not review VAR. The article argues this decision contributed to Inter's later disadvantage.

In the 2025-26 season, Inter faced Fiorentina. The article claims striker Pio Esposito was brought down in the box by a defensive player using a neck-hold motion, but Sozza did not award a penalty or review VAR.

However, the writer says Sozza should not be considered Inter's enemy. Although some decisions were viewed as unfair, the writer considers him less controversial than Abisso and believes Inter can still have a higher chance than Napoli if decisions are not clearly biased.

As long as he is not obviously biased. As long as he is not obviously biased.

2. Di Paolo

The writer questions why Di Paolo, a dedicated VAR official, has remained in key positions despite several disputed incidents in major matches.

The article claims that since Napoli's rise, Di Paolo has often been involved in matches against Inter where victories have been difficult for the Nerazzurri.

The most notable example cited is the 2024 Milan derby, where Marcus Thuram was brought down from behind by Pavlovic, the referee ruled no foul, and Di Paolo supported that decision.

After the match, officials reviewed and explained the decision, but many commentators in the Sky Sport studio disagreed, arguing that VAR had not properly intervened in the process.

The incident contributed to Serie A introducing a new policy that season: publishing conversations between referees and VAR officials on key decisions and requiring referees to explain their reasoning before making decisions after VAR reviews.

The writer says VAR authority has been significantly reduced this season, so Di Paolo may have fewer opportunities to influence matches.

3. Dionisi

As a professional VAR official, the writer says he does not even recall Dionisi refereeing a Serie A match as the main referee. His most notable assignment was as VAR in Napoli's 2-0 Italian Super Cup victory over AC Milan last year. Since then, he has frequently been assigned to important matches.

So far, in all Inter and Napoli matches where Dionisi served as VAR or AVAR, both teams have won. Therefore, this match will end that record for at least one side.

The writer says he has an online meeting soon and will stop here. At 23:00, Inter Milan's reserve team will play Bologna's reserve team away. Fans interested in Inter's youth development can watch.

That is all for today's article.