Totti questions VAR after latest controversy

Roma fought back twice to secure a draw against the Nerazzurri at the Stadio Olimpico - the second goal coming from the penalty spot, after VAR was used to give a spot-kick for a handball that the referee had not initially awarded.

But the home side perhaps should also have had a penalty in the first-half, when the score was 0-0 - after midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo was tripped in the penalty box. The referee consulted the VAR referee but did not take a second look at the incident himself, waving away protests in the process.

Speaking after the match, Totti expressed his concern about the incident - the latest in a number of VAR controversies the Giallorossi have been party to this season.

“Talking about it doesn’t solve anything. It’s useless trying to explain it," Totti said.

"Everyone saw it. I ask myself how the VAR guys can fail to see a foul like that. It’s an embarrassment – it was impossible not to spot. We all saw it in the stadium, with a smaller screen than they have.

"What are they doing there? Why don’t you bring them here to explain incidents like this? The VAR has been introduced for a reason, precisely to re-watch incidents that the referee has missed. This was so clear. [Referee] Gianluca Rocchi may have missed it but the VAR people couldn’t have done. I don’t know who was there – various people are there to watch incidents again. Michael Fabbri was the VAR? Maybe he was watching another game.

"We can’t carry on like this. We go to these meetings in Coverciano and Milan – meetings and counter meetings. We just can’t carry on like these. A penalty would have changed the game. Some incidents can change the direction of a league campaign."

What did you make of the game generally?

“It was an open game, with two good sides going at each other, scoring four goals and creating lots of chances. Hitting the woodwork and the penalty decision aside, it was a great game.”

How do you think Nicolo Zaniolo performed?

“He looks like a seasoned pro – he plays with simplicity and ease. He’s showing how good he is – he’s explosive, strong and has good technique. The boy has what’s needed to become a top player. There are things we don’t say to him, though. I wouldn’t want to be responsible if he were to change course.”

Can you build on this display?

“We always have the fans on our side – they always want the best from the team. Today we must congratulate the players for qualifying from their Champions League group. We’re trying to get back on track in the league. There’s still a long way to go, but with the quality of our coach, the players and the club, we’ll try and reach our objective.”

Could this match be a starting point for the rest of the season?

“We’ve had ups and downs up until now. Either way we’ve still managed to reach the last 16 of the Champions League. We’re trying to regain confidence and solidity, as well as that desire to be a very strong side. The coach is trying to find the best solution for this team.

Today can be something to build upon, because we showed ourselves to be the Roma we all want to see. We will push on from today, hoping to put in many other performances like this.”