[REVISION HISTORY]

Serie A refereeing and VAR policy changes

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What changed

2026-09-23 09:29 UTC → 2026-09-26 06:49 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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