The Juve stopper feels that Pazzini’s dismissal was outrageous and the ref should “take a long hard look at himself”.

Italy and the Republic of Ireland shared the spoils at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari last night but Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini was left livid at referee Wolfgang Stark after the match because striker Giampaolo Pazzini was shown a straight red card just four minutes in for allegedly elbowing John O’Shea.

It seemed a very harsh decision and Azzurri boss Marcello Lippi also vented his fury at the official after the final whistle.

“The referee falsified the game,” barked Chiellini to the press after the game. “It’s outrageous that at this level a team are reduced to 10 men for nothing.

“I broke my nose two weeks ago and this goes to show that we are no divas…

“Collisions are part of the game and Pazzini’s gesture was clearly unintentional. Moreover, the same Pazzini had just been on the receiving end of a foul that deserved a life sentence and the Ireland player was not even booked.

“The referee should take a long hard look at himself. Perhaps we should think again about Italian officials…”

Italy could have moved five points clear of Giovanni Trapattoni’s men with a win, but they are still leading the qualifying group with 14 points to their name.