Inzaghi’s touchline behaviour draws criticism as Theo forced to dodge Inter coach | OneFootball

Italian referees are being accused of being too permissive towards Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, whose fiery demeanour on the touchline often leads him to step outside his technical area, with Milan’s Theo Hernandez also affected by this turbulent behaviour in their latest Coppa Italia Derby della Madonnina.

While all coaching staff are theoretically required to remain within the confines of the technical area in front of their side’s bench, Inzaghi has become known for regularly breaking this rule by stepping outside the designated zone, often with little consequence.

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 30: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, reacts, after receiving a red card during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Footage of the Nerazzurri coach pacing up and down the touchline has become a constant after every match, as he accompanies his team’s play with tension and passion.

Inzaghi’s touchline conduct draws criticism after Theo Hernandez is forced to circumvent him

Inzaghi was allowed to continue this routine behaviour during Inter’s Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Milan, where Theo Hernandez had to navigate around him in an attempt to overlap down the left flank and receive a pass from Rafael Leao.

The scene was captured on camera and quickly went viral on social media, with many users sharing it to either express their amusement or criticise the coach for behaviour they believe should be prohibited—some even ironically suggesting that Inzaghi was doubling up on the Rossoneri’s left-back, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Journalist Sandro Sabatini added to the criticism of the coach after the game, suggesting that the Nerazzurri manager benefits from a more permissive approach by referees.

“Theo Hernandez even had to overtake Inzaghi, who was standing with his back to the touchline,” he said on his YouTube channel.

“If the referees are fine with that… I certainly won’t say they should issue a yellow card, but the technical area should be respected, otherwise, why have it in the first place?

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, looks on from the dugout prior to the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Sorry for the question, no criticism towards Inzaghi, but I don’t understand why he should be treated differently from other coaches. It’s just a matter of behaviour, not a technical issue or a critique.

“However, it’s clear that Inzaghi is allowed to behave a bit more freely, so to speak, compared to many of his colleagues.”