Players and staff at Inter have accused Serie A match officials of favouring Juventus after the Serie A leaders’ 1-0 victory against Udinese at the weekend.
The win maintained Juve’s eight-point lead over Inter ahead of their top-of-the-table clash at the San Siro on Sunday.
Inter were especially angry over Alessandro Del Piero’s winning goal, which television replays confirmed was scored from an offside position.
They also pointed out several other incidents that had favoured Juve.
“It’s impossible that Juventus gets favourable treatment from the referees,” Inter coach Roberto Mancini said sarcastically.
“I’ve seen the television images and I say that Del Piero’s goal was good, Muntari’s red card right and Vidigal’s penalty appeal without any basis at all.”
His displeasure was shared by the club’s president Giacinto Facchetti.
“Why should we be amazed? Juve has so many resources it can draw on,” he said.
Some of Inter’s players shared in the sense of frustration.
Midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron claimed the bias towards the team from Turin was long-established.
“Those of us that have been playing in Italy for 10 years are used to it,” he said.
“The whole thing is absurd and in all this time nothing has been done to change it.”
Inter captain Javier Zanetti hoped the officiating was of a higher standard when they met Juventus on Sunday.
“Well done to Juventus for winning thanks to a goal scored in offside. These things never happen to us,” he said.
“In 11 years in Italy I’ve seen it all – sometimes even worse than this. But all we can do is believe that referees act in good faith, otherwise we couldn’t continue playing.
“As far as Sunday’s match goes, I’d like it if (Pierluigi) Collina could act as referee. Unfortunately he’s no longer (refereeing).”
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