[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [SPORTS]

5 clusters · 28 sources · 24 days · First seen · Last updated

Serie A refereeing and VAR policy changes

Overview

The officiating approach in Italy’s Serie A has undergone a significant shift regarding the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. Initially, media figures like Fabio Ravezzani criticized referee Damiano Orsato, alleging a resistance to VAR and a preference for traditional officiating methods. Following these tensions, Serie A implemented a new strategy under Orsato, the head of referees for Serie A and B, to increase game fluidity and align with European standards by reducing VAR interventions. The Associazione Italiana Arbitri (AIA) has since reinforced these directives. During technical meetings, Daniele Orsato and technical director Domenico Messina reaffirmed that the on-field referee’s decision remains sovereign. The AIA policy dictates that VAR should only be used to correct ‘macroscopic and obvious errors’ to avoid obsessive analysis and maintain the ‘human nature of the sport.’ In a recent meeting at the International Broadcast Centre in Lissone, Orsato met with club representatives, coaches, and the AIA to confirm this direction for the 2026/27 season. Orsato acknowledged six specific refereeing errors from the opening matches, including incidents involving Juventus, Atalanta, Milan, and Fiorentina. Despite these admissions, he emphasized that the policy will not change. Data indicates the policy is impacting match dynamics, with effective playing time increasing by approximately five and a half minutes per match compared to previous seasons, alongside a decrease in fouls, yellow cards, and penalty decisions. While many coaches have expressed satisfaction with the increased flow of play, the approach has sparked debate; some commentators argue the reduced VAR intervention may lead to uncorrected errors or favor certain clubs, while others defend the move against overly invasive technology. Orsato has confirmed this technical direction also extends to Serie B. Recent commentary from former referee Claudio Gavillucci and former player Franco Causio highlights ongoing challenges with the new criteria.

Entities

Daniele Orsato · Serie A · Domenico Messina · Associazione Italiana Arbitri · Lissone

Timeline

  1. 3 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Serie A officiating standards face scrutiny from former referee and player

    Former referee Claudio Gavillucci and ex-player Franco Causio discuss the need for consistent officiating and better VAR use to penalize simulation in Serie A.

  2. 6 days ago

    [SPORTS] 21 sources
    Daniele Orsato confirms new Serie A refereeing and VAR guidelines

    Serie A refereeing designator Daniele Orsato has confirmed a new technical direction focused on continuous gameplay and limited VAR use, despite admitting to several officiating errors in early matches.

  3. 8 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Associazione Italiana Arbitri reinforces referee authority and VAR limits

    The Associazione Italiana Arbitri is prioritizing referee authority by limiting VAR to obvious errors and conducting technical training on rules like handball to improve decision-making quality.

  4. 13 days ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Serie A implements new refereeing approach to reduce VAR use

    Serie A is implementing new refereeing directives under Daniele Orsato to reduce VAR usage and increase game fluidity, aligning Italian football with European officiating standards.

  5. 27 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Ravezzani criticizes referee Orsato over VAR stance

    TeleLombardia director Fabio Ravezzani criticized referee Damiano Orsato for his perceived resistance to VAR technology and calls for greater transparency in officiating.

Sources

affaritaliani.it · aiacastelfrancoveneto.it · areanapoli.it · beneventogiornale.com · calcionapoli24.it · canaleotto.it · cronachedellacampania.it · cronachedi.it · fanpage.it · fcinter1908.it · fcinternews.it · fiorentinanews.com · firenzeviola.it · football-italia.net · gazzetta.gr · juventusnews24.com · lacronaca24.it · lalaziosiamonoi.it · madata.gr · milannews.it · newsbeast.gr · newsmondo.it · radioradio.it · sportmagazine.it · tuttojuve.com · tuttomercatoweb.com · tuttonapoli.net · uscatanzaro.net

This summary has been updated 8 times: see revision history