An important meeting between referees and club executives took place in Rome, attended by referee chief Gianluca Rocchi and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina. ilBianconero report that representing Juventus was Giorgio Chiellini, who actively participated in the discussion.
Although the Serie A season has not yet reached its first third, refereeing controversies have already caused considerable debate, largely due to several high-profile errors in the early rounds. The purpose of the meeting was to ease tensions and promote more measured post-match communication from players and coaches.
To that end, Gravina, in coordination with the Serie A League, organised a closed-door summit at a well-known Rome hotel, inviting officials from all top-flight clubs and leading refereeing figures.
During the meeting, several club representatives spoke, including Inter president Beppe Marotta, who directly addressed Rocchi: “What do you need in order to improve? We’re all here and available.” Rocchi responded that he would like to see referees on a weekly basis rather than every three weeks, with a consistent support structure, including a psychologist—particularly for those involved in VAR operations.
Chiellini and Rocchi Exchange Views
Juventus executive Chiellini also intervened, posing a direct question to Rocchi about how often referees have upheld their original on-field decisions after VAR reviews. Rocchi’s reply was blunt: “Only once, Di Bello.” The exchange highlighted an ongoing issue concerning the level of independence referees should maintain when reviewing incidents at the monitor.
Central to the discussion was the need for referees to assume greater responsibility and avoid an overreliance on VAR officials. Rocchi emphasised that the referee on the pitch must remain the final authority, with the VAR acting as a supportive, not dominant, tool.
The Verona–Juventus Example
The match between Verona and Juventus was brought up as a clear example of what should not happen. Rocchi had previously acknowledged two major errors from that game: the penalty awarded against Juventus and the failure to send off Orban after an elbow on Gatti.
“The VAR suggests, the referee decides,” Rocchi reiterated, expressing his irritation over what he described as excessive insistence from VAR official Aureliano in advising referee Rapuano during that match. The incident ultimately led to a controversial penalty for handball against Joao Mario. The episode has since been used internally as a cautionary example of how VAR influence can improperly sway on-field decisions.
The meeting closed with a shared commitment to improve communication and restore confidence in refereeing across Serie A.
