Amoruso Talk

Amoruso saw two pens
Monday 25 February, 2008

Reggina marksman Nicola Amoruso insists that referee Paolo Dondarini was right to award him a penalty on Saturday, but admits Juventus were due one too.

The former Juve man was the hero for the Calabrians when he converted an injury-time spot-kick for a 2-1 win at the Stadio Granillo, but many felt it shouldn’t have been awarded.

Mohamed Sissoko attempted to clear the ball in the Juve box with a bicycle-kick but made contact with Amoruso, prompting referee Dondarini to award a penalty.

“I have severe bruising on my arm,” the 33-year-old told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “The contact with Sissoko was very hard.”

The decision was particularly harsh, as Juve had been denied what seemed to be a clear penalty when Sissoko was tripped by Carlos Valdez.

“There was certainly a penalty for Juventus,” Amoruso admitted. “But I believe that Reggina have suffered from several bad decisions so far this term and we are still in credit.”

In the heated finale, Bianconeri midfielder Cristiano Zanetti kicked out at Amoruso and was dismissed, but it seems that the pair made peace.

“He was sent off, but he immediately came up to me in the dressing room and apologised,” Amoruso said. “We have cleared it up now.”

The controversy is set to linger after Juventus sent a letter to the FIGC complaining about their treatment from referees this season – a move that has invoked the wrath of the Cadetti champions’ rivals.

*channel4