Why Inter Milan Leads in Penalty Awards and Has the Fewest Cards Since Last Season

Inter Milan’s recent 4-0 victory over Atalanta has sparked a range of explanations from football pundits and fans alike. While some tactical experts attribute the win to "formation rotations" and French fans credit the individual "improvements of players," another segment — particularly fans of certain rival clubs — has been busy spinning conspiracy theories across social media. These theories argue that Inter's success is due to favorable treatment from referees, suggesting that Serie A is now the "Marotta League."

The Basis of the Conspiracy Theories

These conspiracy theories are fueled by several facts. The most obvious is that Gianluca Rocchi, the head of referee appointments in Serie A, was recently spotted wearing an Inter Milan wristband, raising eyebrows and suspicions among fans. The deeper reason, however, lies in the statistics: since last season, Inter Milan has been awarded the most penalties (15), significantly more than the second-placed AS Roma (12), AC Milan (9), or Juventus (6). Simultaneously, Inter has also received the fewest cards, with just 1 red and 48 yellow cards, which is dozens fewer than the next team in line.

These statistics have led to social media debates accusing Inter Milan of benefiting from Giuseppe Marotta’s alleged influence over the referees. Some fans have been arguing this point for over a year now. While "conspiracy theories" may not be worth delving into deeply, there is value in exploring why Inter Milan has been awarded so many penalties and so few cards. This situation, especially in Serie A — a league known for its stringent refereeing — is not the norm and certainly warrants investigation.

The Evolution of Inter Milan’s Playing Style

The primary reason behind this trend can be traced back to the structural changes in Inter Milan's playing style under Simone Inzaghi. Since his arrival, Inter has not been a team that relies on physical battles or fouls as its core strategy. This approach sets Inzaghi apart from certain other managers, such as last season's Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri or Atalanta’s Gian Piero Gasperini. In their tactical systems, fouls are not merely "tactical tools" but "strategic weapons." Last season, Juventus committed 73 more fouls than Inter, while Atalanta committed 63 more. Given these higher numbers, it is no surprise that they also received more cards.

Furthermore, Inter's tactical philosophy under Inzaghi minimizes the risk of cards. For example, Inzaghi is known for his substitution habits. When making changes, he prioritizes replacing players who are already on yellow cards. This significantly reduces the likelihood of players being sent off with a second yellow. Last season, there were 34 instances across Serie A of players receiving a second yellow card and being sent off — Napoli had 3 such cases, AC Milan had 2, and teams like Juventus, Atalanta, and the two Roman clubs also experienced this. However, Inter had zero such incidents. Across all competitions, 22% of Inter’s substitutions were used to replace players on yellow cards, which has proven to be an effective strategy.

Learning to Adapt to Referees and VAR

The most fundamental reason for Inter's favorable statistics, however, lies in the club's proactive efforts to adapt to refereeing standards and VAR. This is where an unsung hero comes into play: Giorgio Schenone, Inter Milan's "Referee Manager." Schenone, a former referee in Serie A and Serie B from 2009 to 2020, was among the first to serve as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) when the technology was introduced in Italy in 2017. He is considered an authority in this field on the Italian peninsula.

In 2020, Marotta, Inter's CEO, invited the retired Schenone to serve as the club's "Referee Manager." His role mainly involves lecturing and training — not only with the senior squad but also with the youth teams and both the men’s and women’s teams. He educates the players on the latest standards of officiating, especially on how to adapt to new refereeing trends and VAR protocols. This initiative is unprecedented in Serie A and, as the results show, it has been effective.

Schenone’s work has not gone unnoticed. Both FIFA and UEFA have taken note of this initiative, and they are encouraging other clubs to adopt similar roles. Marotta recently acknowledged Schenone's contribution, stating, "Thanks to Schenone’s efforts, Inter is now the team with the fewest cards in Serie A." Bringing in a former referee and VAR expert to educate the players has proved to be a valuable move.

A report from The Guardian highlighted that across Europe’s top five leagues, 53% of bookings result in players displaying frustration or confusion, largely because of a "lack of understanding of the rules." Over the years, certain rules have been subject to frequent changes — handball decisions being a prime example. What constitutes a foul or doesn’t often requires expert clarification and training. The more players understand what referees are thinking, the less likely they are to commit punishable offenses.

This approach can be likened to a company inviting a legal expert to deliver lectures and conduct compliance training. Over time, such measures can certainly help reduce the occurrence of violations.

Inter’s Commitment to Strategic Adaptation

The most important takeaway from Inter Milan's current situation is that the club’s high penalty count and low card tally are not accidents. They are the result of targeted efforts by the management and coaching staff, who have invested significant time and resources in studying refereeing rules and interpreting the finer details of officiating.

Inzaghi’s philosophy is built around understanding and adapting to the referee’s mindset, aiming to avoid situations that could lead to disciplinary action. By avoiding tactical fouling and using substitutions wisely to manage cards, Inter has crafted a strategy that aligns well with the current officiating environment in Serie A. Moreover, having a dedicated "Referee Manager" like Schenone ensures that the players are always up-to-date with the latest developments in officiating standards and VAR procedures.

Addressing the Conspiracy Theories

Of course, the conspiracy theories about Inter Milan's supposed favoritism from referees continue to swirl, but they often overlook these strategic efforts and the data that underpins them. Inter Milan's proactive steps to educate their players, adapt their style of play, and strategically navigate the ever-evolving landscape of refereeing have played a crucial role in their success.

The current Serie A season has highlighted the importance of this approach. As the league evolves with the increasing use of technology like VAR and changes in refereeing standards, other teams may well look to emulate Inter’s methods. It’s not just about winning on the pitch but also understanding how the game is being officiated — a vital lesson for any club aiming for sustained success in modern football.

Inter Milan’s recent record, with the highest number of penalties awarded and the fewest cards received, is proof that careful study, preparation, and strategic adaptation to the rules can yield significant benefits. As with any field, the more you understand the rules and how they are applied, the better positioned you are to navigate them successfully. In this respect, Inter Milan has set a benchmark for other clubs to follow.

So, while the conspiracy theories may persist, the real story lies in the meticulous planning and learning process adopted by Inter Milan — a strategy that is paying dividends on the pitch. As always, success in football, as in life, is often the result of diligent preparation and a willingness to learn and adapt.