The Derby d'Italia between Inter Milan and Juventus was overshadowed by one of the worst refereeing decisions in recent memory. A first-half dive by Alessandro Bastoni led to Pierre Kalulu receiving a second yellow card and being sent off, dramatically altering the 3-2 thriller that saw Inter claim victory.

Referee Federico La Penna's immediate decision to show Kalulu a red card after minimal contact sparked outrage. The controversy was compounded by Bastoni's celebration and Juventus officials Giorgio Chiellini and Damien Comolli confronting La Penna at halftime. Juventus boycotted the post-match press conference, with Comolli calling it "an embarrassment" that cost them three points and damaged Italian football's reputation.

Italian referees' chief Gianluca Rocchi admitted it was a "terrible mistake" and confirmed La Penna would sit out for a month. The incident highlights ongoing issues with simulation in Serie A, with Rocchi noting players and coaches have been trying to con referees all season. The controversy comes against the backdrop of Serie A's troubled history with refereeing scandals, including the infamous Calciopoli affair.