Referee controversy erupts after De Bruyne’s goal in Genoa

Kevin De Bruyne’s seven‑yard strike gave Napoli a 1‑0 lead in the Serie A clash at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026, as Genoa fell behind in a match that would end 2‑0, sparking a furious outcry from Genoa officials in Italy.

Controversial build‑up

The game remained 0‑0 at Marassi when Johan Vasquez stepped in front of the Belgian to shield a loose ball, but the defender went down after being nudged from behind, allowing De Bruyne to fire in undisturbed from seven yards.

Referee Marco Di Bello, who had a clear view, placed the whistle to his lips before removing it again as the play unfolded. VAR reviewed the incident and decided not to recommend an On‑Field Review, judging that it did not constitute a clear and obvious error.

Genoa’s reaction

Moments later De Bruyne set up Antonio Vergara for Napoli’s second goal, sealing a 2‑0 victory. The defeat left Genoa angry, with director Diego Lopez accusing the official of bias.

Al Hilal salary fuels Serie A chase for Inzaghi, Juventus and Napoli

“All of Italy saw what happened today,” Lopez told Sky Sport Italia and Italia, adding that the referee had also served in the VAR booth last season during a Napoli match and a Roma‑Genoa game where their goalkeeper was struck in the face. “We know officials are human, but all of Italy saw that there was a clear push on Vasquez.” The statement was made in GENOA, ITALY.

Officials had warned before the opening day that VAR would intervene only for clear and obvious errors, yet the incident sparked heated debate on television studios, with some arguing De Bruyne fouled Vasquez and others claiming the defender tried to draw contact. The Referee’s decision ultimately stood.

The result leaves Genoa with a defeat on the Serie A opening day while Napoli start the season with a win, and the refereeing dispute sets a contentious tone for the campaign ahead.