Inter-Juventus Victory Marred by Kalulu Red Card Controversy

MILAN (Azat TV) – Inter Milan secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over rivals Juventus on February 14, 2026, at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, extending their lead at the top of Serie A. However, the pivotal Derby d’Italia is now largely overshadowed by widespread controversy surrounding a ‘serious error’ in the officiating that saw Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu controversially sent off just before half-time. Refereeing experts have since condemned the decision, arguing it significantly altered the course of the highly anticipated clash.

The match was a back-and-forth thriller from the outset. Inter took the lead in the 17th minute when a low cross from Luis Henrique was heavily deflected by Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso, wrongfooting goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and finding the back of the net. Juventus quickly responded, with Cambiaso himself equalizing in the 26th minute, tapping home a cross from Weston McKennie to bring the score to 1-1.

Controversial Red Card Transforms Derby d’Italia

The turning point of the match arrived moments before halftime. Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu, already on a yellow card, was judged by referee Federico La Penna to have fouled Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni. La Penna immediately issued a second yellow, sending the French defender off. Kalulu was visibly incredulous, signaling for VAR, but the protocol strictly forbids video assistant referees from intervening in second yellow card situations.

Post-match analysis ignited a storm of criticism from refereeing pundits. Luca Marelli, a DAZN official, stated that it was ‘a very serious error from La Penna’ and that ‘there was no contact between Kalulu and Bastoni.’ On Sport Mediaset, former official Graziano Cesari was even more emphatic, calling it ‘a huge mistake’ and a ‘total howler,’ suggesting that Bastoni’s perceived simulation went beyond acceptable unsporting behavior. These expert opinions indicate a significant lapse in judgment that undeniably transformed the dynamics of the Derby d’Italia.

Inter Capitalizes on Numerical Advantage

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Juventus displayed remarkable resilience in the second half. Inter, however, eventually capitalized on their numerical advantage. Substitute Francesco Pio Esposito headed in Federico Dimarco’s cross in the 76th minute to retake the lead for Inter. Yet, Juventus once again clawed back, with Manuel Locatelli scoring to level the game at 2-2, showcasing the Bianconeri’s fighting spirit.

With a draw seemingly imminent, Inter’s Piotr Zieliński delivered the decisive blow in the 90th minute, drilling a low shot through Locatelli’s legs and into the net to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory for Christian Chivu’s side. Zieliński’s late heroics earned him the Flashscore Man of the Match award.

League Standings and Future Implications

The victory extends Inter’s impressive unbeaten Serie A streak to 13 matches (W12, D1) and gives them an eight-point buffer over second-placed AC Milan, though Inter has played one more game. This result significantly strengthens Inter’s bid to reclaim the Scudetto, a title they are fiercely pursuing from current champions Napoli. For Juventus, the loss means just one win in their last five competitive matches (D2, L2), keeping them in fourth place and making their pursuit of the league summit considerably more challenging, despite their strong position for Champions League qualification. Coach Luciano Spalletti’s side will undoubtedly feel aggrieved by the officiating, especially after demonstrating such character against the league leaders.

While Inter Milan secured crucial points in their Scudetto campaign, the controversy surrounding Pierre Kalulu’s red card will likely remain the defining narrative of this Derby d’Italia, raising significant questions about officiating standards and the limitations of VAR in critical moments of high-stakes football.