Italian refereeing standards face scrutiny over VAR discrepancies

Italian refereeing standards are facing scrutiny following a Nations League match between England and Spain. Journalist Paolo Ziliani criticized Italian referees Massa and Di Bello, alleging that a penalty awarded to England after contact between Jude Bellingham and Rodri would not have been granted in Serie A under current officiating protocols.

Ziliani argued that the discrepancy between international officiating and the domestic league suggests a regulatory inconsistency in Italian football. He claimed that the current Serie A approach, overseen by referee designer Daniele Orsato, prevents VAR from intervening in such instances, whereas the UEFA officials applied standard football regulations during the international match.

Daniele Orsato, the Serie A referee designer, addressed recent criticisms during a press meeting in Lissone. He denied the existence of a specific ‘Orsato protocol,’ stating that officials aim to follow the natural flow of the game and intervene only in cases of ‘clear and obvious error.’ Orsato acknowledged that several refereeing errors have occurred this season due to the increasing speed of play and positioning issues, but expressed a commitment to reducing these mistakes through continued work.