Milan

The referee took over five minutes to award Inter Milan a penalty after consulting with the video assistant (VAR) in their 2-0 win over SPAL in Italy’s Serie A yesterday.

Inter midfielder Joao Mario went down on the edge of the penalty area under a challenge from Francesco Vicari in the 22nd minute and referee Claudio Gavillucci quickly called for the video replay.

After a lengthy consultation, the official finally awarded a penalty and Inter captain Mauro Icardi sent Alfred Gomis the wrong way for his fifth goal in three games, officially recorded as being scored in the 27th minute.

Ivan Perisic completed Inter’s win with a thumping volley in the 87th minute to leave his side with nine points from their opening three games and hand SPAL a first defeat of the season.

In between, Milan Skriniar crashed a long-range effort against the crossbar after spotting Gomis off his line.

SPAL, who have returned to the top flight after a 49-year absence, were far from outclassed and created several dangerous situations.

Serie A is one of several national leagues trialling the VAR system before soccer’s rule-making body IFAB decides whether to permit their use on a permanent basis.

Fifa are hoping to use VARs at next year’s World Cup.

Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala inspired Juventus to a 3-0 win over Chievo on Saturday to keep the Serie A title-holders unbeaten ahead of next week’s Champions League opener at Barcelona.

Three days ahead of their trip to the Camp Nou, Massimiliano Allegri tested his troops after the international break which had deprived the champions of key players.

But it was the performance of Dybala which drew ringing praise from Allegri after the Argentina striker came on after 50 minutes to seal a comfortable victory.

“He has everything to become one of the two best players in the world, with Neymar, when [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo stop,” said Allegri. “He’s progressing enormously, whether it be technically or physically.”

Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio were out injured with Andrea Barzagli and Gianluigi Buffon rested by the Juventus coach.

The introduction of Dybala as a second-half substitute transformed Juventus and he assisted Gonzalo Higuain’s second goal on 58 minutes.

The Argentine then added the third himself seven minutes from time — his fifth goal this season in Serie A.

It secured a third win in as many games for Allegri’s side and a maximum nine points in their bid for a seventh straight title.

— Agencies