Gravina: Allegri-Oriali row a bad look 🤦‍♂️ Worry over Milan-Como ref | OneFootball

Gabriele Gravina speaks candidly about the Allegri-Oriali case, which erupted after Napoli-Milan and quickly became a central topic in the national football debate.

Gravina on the Allegri-Oriali case: “An embarrassment for football”. Doubts about the Asian referee for Milan-Como in Perth

The president of the FIGC, on the sidelines of the Federal Council, described the incident with a very harsh expression, then expanded the discussion to a deeper problem concerning the behavior of the benches and sports culture. Not only that: Gravina also addressed another delicate issue, that of the Asian referee appointed for Milan-Como, a match scheduled for February 8 in Perth.

“An embarrassment”: the clear judgment on the Allegri-Oriali case

On the verbal altercation between Massimiliano Allegri and Gabriele Oriali, Gravina was blunt: “We are talking about an embarrassment.” There was no attempt to downplay it, but rather a desire to frame the episode in a broader context that goes beyond individual disciplinary responsibility.

The federal president also clarified the issue of possible sanctions: “Sanctions apply in case of violation of the sports regulations. Here I believe it is mainly a cultural issue.” According to Gravina, the problem is not just regulatory but educational: “We need to regain a sense of education. Insulting is becoming almost normal.”

Benches out of control and only one loser

In his speech, Gravina pointed out a growing habit: the idea that shouting and protesting can influence refereeing decisions. “The movements of the benches are unbearable. There is a belief that the more you shout, the more you can influence decisions on the field.” A trend that, according to the head of the FIGC, produces only one result: “There is only one loser in all this, and it is football.”

From the Allegri case to Cagliari-Roma: the issue of respect

Gravina then linked the Allegri-Oriali case to another recent episode that shook the football world, that of insults during Cagliari-Roma. The message was extended to all components of the system: “It applies to Folorunsho, to the presidents, to the fans, and to the coaches.”

The call to values is explicit: “We talk about fair play, ethics, and respect. We print it on our jerseys, we run campaigns, and then we spit on each other.” A heavy accusation that highlights the gap between official messages and real behaviors.

Milan-Como in Perth and the issue of the Asian referee

Another chapter addressed by Gravina is that of Milan-Como, officially scheduled for February 8 in Perth. On the relocation of the match to Australia, the FIGC president recalled that the Federation has shown openness: “We have given availability to accommodate a choice that falls within the autonomy of the Serie A League. At the moment, we have not received any formal communication.”

The discussion on the Asian referee appointed for the match is different. Here Gravina introduces an element of caution: “On the topic of the Asian referee and fair competition, reflections are needed.” An issue that, according to the federal president, must be discussed with the Serie A League to find a balance point.

“Understanding what is given and what is received”

Gravina clarifies that the FIGC does not have an ideological position: “We are not against or in favor, we just want to understand.” The declared goal is to build relationships of mutual growth between arbitration federations, but with a careful evaluation of the benefits: “It is necessary to understand what is given and what is received.”

Italian referees as international excellence

In conclusion, Gravina strongly defends the value of the Italian refereeing movement: “Italian referees are a true excellence of the international system.” A heritage that the Federation intends to preserve, while not closing off to experiments: “In principle, I am not against innovations, if the comparison with foreign professionalism can improve the path of excellence, it is welcome.”

On the hypothesis of illegitimacy, the FIGC president is clear: “I would not speak of illegitimacy.” But he reiterates the need for a structured discussion: “With the Asian confederation, the Australian one, and our federation, we must find a balance.”

A comprehensive intervention that, starting from the Allegri-Oriali case, touches on the exposed nerves of Italian football: education, respect, credibility, and governance. Themes that, as emphasized by Gravina, go well beyond a single on-field episode.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.