Milan coach Stefano Pioli lashed out at VAR officials after Atalanta held his side to a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s top-four six-pointer at San Siro. One of the best Italian referees, Daniele Orsato, handed La Dea a first-half penalty that denied Rossoneri two points.
Rafael Leao ended his five-month goal drought in Serie A with a superb solo goal to break the deadlock in the third minute. After dancing past several challenges, the quicksilver forward riffled a thunderbolt into the top far corner to put Milan in front early.
However, Atalanta restored parity late in the first half. Olivier Giroud’s reckless tackle on Emil Holm went unnoticed by Orsato at first glance. But after consulting with the VAR room and, in turn, the side-pitch monitor, the highly-rated referee pointed to the spot.
Dutch star Teun Koopmainers was precise to cancel Leao’s opener and help Atalanta avoid defeat at Milan for the ninth time in their last 11 encounters at San Siro. Pioli believes Holm did well to fake a facial injury, compelling the VAR officials to review the incident.
The Milan manager is adamant the whole situation would’ve slipped the radar had Holm not held his face, even though Giroud barely punched him in the ribs.
“Holm put his hands on his face, on his head, and that’s not where he was hit,” Pioli told DAZN, as quoted by TMW. “Had he not put his face in the hands, they wouldn’t even go check it.”
Though Pioli might have a point, Milan had plenty of time to undo the injustice, but they couldn’t break down Atalanta’s backline.
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