Cesari: Bologna’s Winner vs Milan Should Have Been Disallowed

FolioPitch.com – 29 October 2026 | Former referee Graziano Cesari has weighed in on one of the most debated moments from the latest round of Serie A action, and his verdict is unlikely to please Bologna. Referee expert Cesari explains why Bologna’s winning goal should not have stood in their 4-2 victory over AC Milan at San Siro, pointing to a clear foul in the build-up that went unpunished. According to the experienced officiating analyst, the third goal for the Rossoblu — which ultimately proved decisive — was tainted by an infringement that referee Juan Luca Sacchi failed to spot despite being close to the play.

The incident in question occurred in the 2-2 phase of a wildly entertaining contest. Luka Modric, the veteran midfielder, believed he had been fouled in midfield by Tommaso Pobega. No whistle came, and Bologna capitalized ruthlessly. Cambiaghi found space down the left side of the penalty area, spotted Samuel Mbangula, and delivered a pass that the winger controlled brilliantly before finishing past Mike Maignan for his second goal of the night. It was a moment of individual quality, but Cesari insists it should never have been allowed to stand.

Speaking in his role as a television pundit, Cesari dissected the move frame by frame. “There’s a situation worth analysing surrounding Samuel Mbangula’s goal to make it 2-3: leaving aside the final part of the move, which was marvellous in its execution and finishing, with its control, feint, and shot that beat Mike Maignan,” he said. “But in this situation, referee Juan Luca Sacchi was very close throughout the entire play and didn’t see a move by Tommaso Pobega, who – by letting the ball slip under his legs – immediately obstructed Modric and prevented him from continuing his progress. This situation, which occurred at the start of the goal, should clearly have led to a stoppage in play.”

Once again, referee expert Cesari explains why Bologna’s winning goal should not have stood, and his analysis raises fresh questions about the consistency of officiating in Serie A. The former referee has long been a vocal critic of on-field decisions and the use of VAR, and this latest episode adds to a growing list of contentious calls that have dominated post-match discussion. For Milan, the sense of injustice is palpable: the foul on Modric came at a critical juncture, with the game delicately poised at 2-2 and momentum shifting rapidly.

The goal was the product of a swift transition. Pobega’s challenge on Modric, whether accidental or deliberate, disrupted the Croatian’s rhythm and allowed Bologna to break. Cambiaghi’s awareness and Mbangula’s composure did the rest, but Cesari’s point is that the move should have been halted long before the ball hit the net. The referee, positioned nearby, was reportedly unsighted or simply judged the contact to be fair — a decision that Cesari believes was incorrect.

It is not the first time this season that referee expert Cesari explains why Bologna’s winning goal should not have stood, as similar incidents have sparked debate across Italian football. The victory lifted Bologna’s spirits and handed Milan a damaging defeat, but the controversy surrounding the third goal refuses to die down. With the scoreline eventually finishing 4-2, the disallowed goal would have changed the complexion of the match entirely, potentially altering the outcome.

Milan’s players were furious at the time, surrounding the referee in protest, but their appeals fell on deaf ears. The Rossoneri will now have to regroup, while Bologna will celebrate a famous win — albeit one that carries an asterisk in the eyes of many. The debate over refereeing standards in Italy is unlikely to subside, and Cesari’s comments will only fuel the fire.

In conclusion, the fallout from Bologna’s win over Milan serves as a reminder of the fine margins that decide football matches. Referee expert Cesari explains why Bologna’s winning goal should not have stood, and his analysis highlights the importance of correct officiating in pivotal moments. Whether the authorities take note remains to be seen, but for Milan, the frustration of a missed call will linger long after the final whistle.