VAR is 'encouraging' players to dive! AC Milan penalty sparks furious tirade from Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli

Fiorentina, despite being underdogs, struck first through Robin Gosens in the 55th minute after a scrappy finish from a set-piece. Milan clawed back as Rafael Leao, starting his first Serie A game of the season, levelled the score with a stunning long-range effort. Then came the chaos: in the 86th minute, Milan’s Gimenez fell theatrically in the box after the lightest of touches from Fabiano Parisi. Referee Livio Marinelli initially waved play on, only to reverse his call after a lengthy VAR review, awarding Milan a penalty that Leao coolly converted for a 2–1 win. Fiorentina players surrounded the referee in disbelief, and the football world erupted over what experts labelled a “VAR error outside protocol.” The match, meant to be a turning point for Fiorentina, turned into heartbreak and controversy. After the game, both sporting director Prade and manager Pioli spoke out, while one furiously blamed the system, the other warned of what it’s doing to football.

The loss to Milan only deepened Fiorentina’s misery. Winless in Serie A so far this season, the Viola found themselves near the relegation zone with just three points from seven games. Their inability to protect leads has been a recurring nightmare, with several matches slipping away late. Despite a strong showing in the UEFA Conference League, their domestic form has been dismal.

Reflecting back on the game and the controversial penalty decision, Pioli in the post-match press conference said: "The first rule they told us about VAR is that it intervenes if there's a clear and obvious error by the referee. But is that what led to Milan's penalty? If we do that, we're inviting the players to simulate. Just put your hands in front of your face at the first contact and everyone will boo."

Pioli, who returned to Florence in July 2025, faces growing scrutiny, though Prade’s public backing remains firm.

Prade did not hold back when speaking in a post-match press conference, the sporting director called the decision 'scandalous' further pointing daggers at Marinelli for not standing by his initial verdict.

"Marinelli didn't have the courage to stand by his decision. We're playing for our lives, and we need to understand that something like this can't be done. It's scandalous. Gimenez was down for 20 minutes and wasn't even touched. Shortly before, there had been a foul on Ranieri that could have been sent off, but instead he was given a yellow. We conceded with 10 men. We're sorry. Fiorentina played with heart and didn't deserve to lose in such a horrendous manner. We're a painful defeat; our league standings are in a negative place, we didn't expect it. Three points after seven games: that's not who we are," said Prade.

The sporting director further added: "If anyone can get us out of these situations, it's only Stefano Pioli. The rest is my fault. The protests in Florence should be directed solely at me: I received over €90 million to build the team. If anyone is to blame, it's me. What happens on the pitch is a product of the moment. Our stadium is in terrible condition, and we've started with three away games. But we can do a lot; we have two cups to honour. I'm truly sorry for the fans. If anyone has faith in him, it's Pioli. If anyone needs to be fired, it's me."

Fiorentina’s next fixture is a crucial home clash against Bologna on October 26. The team must rediscover its rhythm, both mentally and tactically, to climb out of the relegation zone. Pioli’s focus will be on tightening the defence, which has repeatedly faltered late in games, and reigniting their attacking fluency. The players’ commitment is evident, but results are what the Viola faithful crave. If Fiorentina can channel the anger from the Milan loss into determination on the pitch, they still have time to revive their season. However, before the Serie A clash, the Italian club will face Rapid Wien in the Conference League on October 23.