7M - Genoa Udinese VAR Controversy Penalty Rescinded After Kabasele Handball Review

A contentious penalty decision dominated headlines after Genoa hosted Udinese in Serie A on March 20 2026. Referee Giuseppe Collu initially awarded a spot kick to the home side in the 49th minute following contact with Christian Kabasele's arm inside the area.

However, after an extended VAR review and on-field monitor check, the official reversed his call, determining the defender's arm remained in a natural position.

Former referee Luca Marelli analyzed the incident for DAZN, noting that while Kabasele made a slight instinctive movement toward the ball, there was no unnatural expansion of body volume to warrant a handball offense. The stadium announcement confirmed the final ruling: no penalty after review.

The match itself concluded 2-0 in favor of Udinese. Jurgen Ekkelenkamp opened the scoring with a 66th-minute header assisted by Nicolo Zaniolo, while Keinan Davis sealed the victory deep into stoppage time.

The result lifted Udinese to tenth place with 40 points, while Genoa remained in 14th, facing increased pressure in the relegation battle.

Lorenzo Colombo and Ruslan Malinovskyi both struck the woodwork for Genoa earlier in the contest, but the rossoblù could not convert their chances. The overturned penalty proved a pivotal moment in a match of limited clear opportunities.