Disciplinary Actions Following Derby d’Italia Incident

omidbasir- The disciplinary repercussions stemming from the recent Derby d’Italia have been both prompt and severe, as the Italian sporting judge has imposed substantial sanctions in light of the tumultuous events at San Siro. The most significant punishment has been directed at Juventus CEO Comolli, who has received a ban from all football-related activities until March 31, 2026. This stringent measure underscores the seriousness of the incident detailed in the official match report, which portrays an executive who lost his composure during a critical moment.

The report presents a troubling account of the half-time interval, indicating that Comolli exhibited an “aggressive and seriously intimidating attitude” towards referee La Penna. The situation escalated rapidly in the tunnel, where the CEO allegedly attempted to make physical contact with the official. His actions were only curtailed by the timely intervention of the Juventus coaching staff and other personnel, who restrained him. Additionally, Comolli was cited for using “gravely insulting” language, a tirade that reportedly continued even outside the officials’ dressing room long after the teams had parted ways.

The official findings suggest that the half-time interval was on the verge of devolving into a physical altercation. The image of a high-ranking club executive needing to be restrained by his own technical team has resulted in a €15,000 fine accompanying Comolli’s lengthy suspension. However, he was not the only Juventus director to let his frustrations overflow.

Former defender Chiellini, who has spent decades engaged in high-stakes matches, also found himself under scrutiny from the sporting judge. The legendary player, now serving as a director, will be barred from official duties until February 27, 2026. Although his conduct was deemed less physically threatening than Comolli’s, the report noted that Chiellini confronted the referee’s performance in a “disrespectful manner.” He was also cited for making “offensive criticisms” towards the assistant referees as tensions escalated in the tunnel, further contributing to the breakdown in relations between the club and the officials.

The catalyst for this administrative uproar was the dismissal of Kalulu for a second yellow card—an action Juventus firmly believes was precipitated by a blatant simulation from the opposing team. With video replays indicating minimal contact, the sense of injustice within the Bianconeri camp has transformed into a direct challenge against the governance of Italian referees. Chiellini did not hold back in the aftermath, directing his ire at referee designator Gianluca Rocchi while advocating for systemic reforms.

“We cannot discuss football after what transpired today. What occurred is truly unacceptable, regardless of whether it affects us or another team,” Chiellini expressed, clearly believing that the quality of officiating has reached a critical juncture. “Starting tomorrow, it seems VAR must undergo changes, as it is intolerable that so many errors persist even in high-profile matches like this.”

Comolli further amplified his remarks, framing the incident as not just a setback for Juventus, but as a blemish on the entire Serie A brand. With the Derby d’Italia being one of the most-watched fixtures in global football, the CEO conveyed his deep embarrassment over the spectacle presented to the international audience.

“Clearly, as a club, we find today extremely embarrassing. What transpired is disgraceful, and we feel strongly—from ownership and fans to players and coaching staff—that this must not happen again,” Comolli stated. He lamented the cyclical nature of such controversies, adding, “It keeps happening… tonight encapsulates what we have witnessed this season. For a match of this magnitude, with the entire world watching.” To exacerbate the situation for Juventus, the sporting judge confirmed that Kalulu would serve a one-match suspension, leaving the club undermanned as they strive to recover from this setback in their pursuit of the Scudetto.