This is already the third refereeing episode that’s been deemed unfair, between the hold on Shomurodov, De Winter’s rough tackle on Dybala with Genoa, and now the foul on Baldanzi.

Warning for those tired or lazy: this editorial features recaps from previous episodes. So, if you want, you can revisit an article referring to the last three seasons. There are no excuses regarding the plot, justifications for the actors, or intervention spoilers from the Friedkins. It holds a simple truth: the refereeing trio (including that old friend of Aureliano) has taken two points away from Roma. Deserved? Undeserved? Should they have scored earlier? Should Juric have anticipated the substitutes? You may think what you want, but a penalty at the 90th minute (or so) can change the result, the standings, and the peace of mind. A blunder that would have been glaring in the days when only referees and linesmen took the field, a time when a back pass to the goalkeeper still existed. Okay, it wouldn’t even have happened back then. In any case, when it comes to sensational thefts, Rome could practically open a museum. But today, with VAR, Avar, the fourth man, virtual reality, and soon to be flying cars, it all seems rather suspicious. Especially if this isn’t the first episode of such mishap occurring this season. Because with Empoli, that obvious foul on Shomurodov was overlooked, and it could have earned Roma another tiny point. And we’re at three, which when added to the current 10, makes for a total of 13. Just like Juventus. But it doesn’t end there. Because in Genoa, De Winter’s ugly tackle on Dybala is making as much noise as his nasty challenge tonight on Baldanzi. Roma could have possibly managed the game better, and who knows, they might have brought home two more points. And so, we now stand at 15. One less than the league-leading Napoli. Now, no one here thinks that Roma is championship material, perhaps not even in the Champions League zone. But why not clear up the doubt by giving Caesar what is Caesar’s? What was taken away in Budapest, what has often been missed in the management of Mourinho as well. As we had anticipated, don’t expect any plot twists. Ghisolfi’s words are admirable and even sincere. But are they useful? Roma simply does not hold enough weight in the places that truly matter. Perhaps next time the Friedkins, in addition to hopping on a jet to hunt for a coach, could also consider making a pit stop in Milan.