When Davide Massa, a veteran referee for Lega Serie A was named on October 15, 2025 to officiate the Week 7 clash between AS Roma and Inter Milan, the stakes were instantly amplified. The match, set for October 18, 2025 at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome, was billed as a six‑pointer that could reshuffle the top‑four. A win for Inter would not only erase a three‑point gap but also give the Nerazzurri a chance to leapfrog their capital rivals on goal difference.
Match assignment and the stakes on the line
League officials listed the full referee team alongside the fixture: Francesco Meraviglia as the Video Assistant Referee, Rosario Abisso as Assistant VAR, and on‑pitch assistants Filippo Meli and Dario Cecconi. Fourth official duties fell to Ermanno Feliciani. For Inter, the appointment was especially poignant because Massa’s record against the club was stellar – 20 wins, five draws and only five losses in his previous 30 encounters.
Game recap: Bonny's early strike decides the day
The match kicked off under a clear sky, and just six minutes in, Ange‑Yoan Bonny, the 21‑year‑old French forward, made his mark. A diagonal ball from Nicolò Barella slotted him past the Roma off‑side trap; Bonny sidestepped a sliding challenge from Evan Ndicka, cut inside and hammered a low shot into the near post, beating Mile Svilar at the back of the net. ESPN’s match report called it “a flying start that handed Inter a buffer in a low‑key first half.”
Inter’s early lead forced Roma to chase, but the Giallorossi’s defense held firm. The game’s rhythm swung back and forth, with Hakan Çalhanoglu pulling the strings for Inter and Paulo Dybala trying to create chances for Roma. In the 65th minute, manager Cristian Chivu made his first substitution, swapping Bonny for Marcus Thuram in a bid to double the lead. The change never paid off; Inter’s pressure eased after a couple of missed chances, and the match ended 1‑0.
Referee performance and past trends
Statistically, Massa’s contact with Roma has been fairly balanced – 10 victories, 12 draws and nine defeats – but his tenure with Inter has produced a markedly higher win ratio. Over the past 12 months, he has overseen 29 games across competitions, including six Champions League matches and two Nations League fixtures, according to Sports Mole. The numbers matter because the previous season’s “refereeing controversy” – a series of disputed calls that many fans argue derailed Inter’s title chase – still haunts the Nerazzurri camp.
During the second half, Massa allowed a few soft fouls that went unpunished, a point highlighted by former Inter boss Simone Inzaghi in a post‑match interview. “We felt some decisions were inconsistent, but today the game ran its course,” he said, adding that the early goal left little room for contentious moments.
Reactions from clubs and pundits
Roma’s coach, José Mari, expressed disappointment but praised his side’s fighting spirit. “We created chances, but the early goal forced us to adapt. The referee did his job; the margin was too big to overcome,” he told reporters.
Inter’s captain Bryan Cristante, who lifted the trophy at the final whistle, said the win was “a statement of intent.” He also noted that the referee’s calm demeanor helped keep the derby’s tempers in check, especially after Gasparini (coach of Atalanta) publicly erupted at a previous Massa‑officiated fixture involving Inter’s defender Federico Dimarco.
Pundits on Sky Sport Italy highlighted that Inter’s sixth‑straight win pushes them level on points (15) with Roma and Napoli, but a superior goal difference now puts them at the summit. “If Inter can stay this efficient defensively, the title is theirs to lose,” analyst Luca Bianchi argued.
What the result means for the title race
With three matches left in the first half of the season, the top‑four is a tight arithmetic. Inter’s 5‑0‑2 record (15 points) matches Roma’s points total, but the Nerazzurri sit ahead on a +12 goal difference versus Roma’s +8. Napoli, trailing by a single point, must now win their next two games to stay in contention.
The win also bolsters Chivu’s reputation. After a sluggish start to the campaign, the Italian‑born manager has collected five consecutive victories across all competitions, a streak that matches the club’s best run since the 2010‑11 season. “We’re building momentum,” Chivu said, “and the players are buying into the system.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Inter Milan’s title chances?
The 1‑0 victory lifts Inter to the top of the Serie A table on goal difference. With 15 points from seven games, they now sit level on points with Roma and Napoli but enjoy a four‑goal cushion, meaning a single slip could see them slip back into second place.
What’s the significance of Davide Massa’s appointment?
Massa’s track record favors Inter – 20 wins in his previous encounters – while his overall experience includes Champions League and Nations League matches. His steady handling helped keep the derby calm despite early controversy surrounding previous Inter fixtures.
Who scored the decisive goal and how?
French forward Ange‑Yoan Bonny netted the only goal in the sixth minute after receiving a long pass from Nicolò Barella, evading a defender and blasting the ball into the near post, leaving goalkeeper Mile Svilar with no chance.
Did the referee’s decisions influence the match outcome?
Most analysts agree that Massa kept the game flowing and avoided any game‑changing errors. The early goal meant the match hinged less on controversial calls, and his management of player tempers prevented the usual derby flare‑ups.
What are the next fixtures for both teams?
Inter travel to Turin to face Juventus on October 25, while Roma host Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on the same weekend. Both matches are critical for maintaining their positions in the top‑four.
