What desperate Barella told referee Chiffi after Lazio were awarded late penalty vs Inter | OneFootball

Nicolò Barella showed clear signs of frustration in the final minutes of Inter’s home clash against Lazio, voicing all his dismay to referee Daniele Chiffi after the official awarded a 90th-minute penalty to the Biancocelesti.

As the visitors mounted one of their final pushes in search of an equaliser, they switched play from right to left, where Valentin Castellanos controlled the ball and attempted to flick it past Yann Bisseck — the ball striking the centre-back’s hand in the process.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 18: Nicolo’ Barella of FC Internazionale is challenged by Taty Castellanos of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chiffi initially waved play on, but was called to the monitor for a VAR review moments later.

It only took a brief look at the screen for the referee to overturn his decision and award the penalty, triggering fierce protests from Inter players and staff, both on the pitch and on the sidelines.

‘I’m playing for my life’: what Barella told Chiffi after referee’s penalty call in Inter vs Lazio

As the referee pointed to the spot, Barella — Inter’s captain on the night — immediately approached Chiffi, visibly shaken as he asked for an explanation.

“He’s standing like this with his hands, explain to me how that can be a penalty?,” Barella immediately shouted at Chiffi, as shown in the footage aired during DAZN’s Open VAR segment.

“Listen to me, stay calm,” replied the referee.

“I am not calm, I’m playing for my life,“ Barella added.

“So are we, always,” Chiffi told the midfielder.

Niccolo Barella of Inter Milan scores the 0-3 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between SS Lazio and FC Inter, in Rome, Italy, 16 December 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MEO

“No, you’re not playing for anything, I am,” the Italy international insisted.

“Stop — that’s how it is. He opens it and leaves it, he makes the movement,” the referee continued.