Roma starts running again, Milan slips disastrously. 2015 started in the opposite way for the Giallorossi and the Rossoneri: the former did very well, again -1 behind Juventus after the victory in Udine (1-2), very badly for the latter, defeated at home by Sassuolo (1-2) and away from third place. However, both experienced a difficult Sunday, albeit with rather different outcomes. In fact, even Roma, despite winning, had to face numerous controversies resulting from the refereeing of Guide. He was the great protagonist at the Friuli stadium, having an impact in all the topical situations of the match. In the 17th minute the most sensational episode: Astori hits the header, the ball hits the crossbar and then on the goal line.
The assistant Maresca would let continue, Guida imposes himself and decides for the goal. The images really leave a lot of doubts (from one shot it would seem inside, from another not) which leads to two considerations. The first: the introduction of technology can no longer be postponed. The second: what are goal judges for if their opinions are not then taken into consideration by the main referee? The controversies, however, did not end there. In fact, in the 85th minute Udinese as a whole shouted for a penalty for an intervention by Emanuelson on Kone, Guida thought about it for a bit and let them continue. Decision, this too, at least questionable because the Dutch hit the ball yes, but also the legs of the Greek.
“It's the usual story, Roma wouldn't need any help but there's a lot of media conditioning – thundered the Friulian patron Pozzo. – Garcia has been hammering with the referees for at least a month, evidently starting to collect results. If one has no certainties why should he give a goal? And if there is a solar penalty, why not whistle it?”. “The goal was good, the referee saw well – replied Garcia. – However, I remain of the opinion that technology is needed, an extra help would also be good for the referees”. In short, many controversies for a 0-1 final which in any case makes Roma rejoice.
Zero smiles instead at San Siro, at least for the home crowd. The host of Sassuolo was obviously able to celebrate a historic victory, the first in the Milanese facility of the Emilian team. Other than Champions comeback, Milan started the year with a defeat that brings them to 5 points from third place (now occupied by Lazio and Naples). “I take full responsibility, when you lose it's right that the blame goes to the coach – said Inzaghi. – I knew that this race could hide pitfalls, when a team is undergoing renewal it has to go through these ups and downs".
Indeed, the Rossoneri's journey is very similar to a roller coaster and after the peaks at the end of 2014 (victory over Napoli and draw in Rome) yesterday's slide arrived, the third at home of the season. And to think that Milan's afternoon had started quite well: in the 9th minute Poli took advantage of a rebound and beat Consigli for 1-0. But Sassuolo, put on the field very well by Di Francesco, didn't let themselves be intimidated and first straightened the match with Sansone (close right-footed shot in the 28th minute), then brought it home with Zaza (splendid flying left footed shot in the 68th minute). The Rossoneri watched helplessly as the Neroverdi showed, unable to react despite Cerci's debut (25' plus added time for him). And so in the end it was Squinzi who celebrated, provided that his Milanist faith allowed him to.
