Former Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti feels that even VAR would not have changed the scandal around the 1997-98 Juventus title win.
The former Nerazzurri President bitterly looked back on the infamous incident while speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, via FCInter1908.
The Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus is a fixture that’s had no shortage of controversial incidents involving referees over the years.
One of the most iconic came in the spring of 1998.
This came during a match between Inter and Juventus in Serie A. The two sides were direct rivals at the time.
Then-Bianconeri defender Mark Iuliano had clattered into Inter striker Ronaldo in the penalty area.
Considering that Iulanio had knocked the legendary Brazilian off his feet without winning the ball, it seemed a clear foul.
However, the referee decided not to point to the spot. There was no penalty given for Inter.
Juventus would go on to hold onto a 1-0 lead and win the match. This would be decisive for them winning the 1997-98 Serie A title in the end.
Moratti: “Not Even VAR Would’ve Changed” 1998 Juventus Ronaldo Scandal
Former Inter President Moratti was asked about the recent remarks that current Napoli coach Antonio Conte made about VAR.
The coach, formerly of Juventus and Inter, hit out at the usage of VAR.
This came after a penalty that was awarded to Inter in a top-of-the-table Serie A clash earlier this month. The VAR did not intervene to nullify the penalty.
Former Inter President Moratti weighed in that “Conte was not wrong about VAR.”
“If we have VAR, it has to work well,” he argued.
“In some situations around penalties, I have to laugh,” Moratti said.
“We have to eliminate certain errors in interpretation.”
For example, if the VAR had existed during the infamous incident involving Ronaldo and Iuliano, Moratti said “Honestly I assume that it would still be a referee behind the VAR.
“And I don’t have much confidence that even with the technology, they’d have given us the penalty,” Moratti argued.
“At that time, referees were being picked by a certain side,” he said.
This was a reference to revelations during the Calciopoli saga that Juventus directors had a role in picking referees for certain matches.
Moratti also gave his thoughts on whether he regrets Inter losing striker Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian is currently at Napoli.
“Inter are doing well at the moment,” he said. “They have great strikers.”
“But at the same time, Lukaku always fits in well. Even if he’s not at 100%.”