Italian Media Takes Stock Of An “Already Explosive Situation” Regarding Serie A Referees | OneFootball

Serie A referees were under heavy scrutiny last season, with repeated dubious decisions sparking heated debates among players and managers.

According to Il Giornale via FCInter1908, there’s been no improvement at the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

Former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi was particularly vocal about his frustration with domestic referees.

Indeed, controversial on-field decisions and VAR calls cost the Nerazzurri the title last term.

However, it’s unfair to blame match officials only for damaging Inter’s Scudetto chances in the 2024/25 season.

Their mistakes affected several other teams across Serie A, fueling widespread discontent.

Furthermore, constant blunders raised questions about officiating standards in Italy’s top flight.

Unfortunately, very little has changed in the early stages of the new season.

The most recent example was the intense match between AC Milan and Bologna.

Indeed, communication between referee Matteo Marcenaro and the VAR booth led to Massimiliano Allegri’s expulsion.

Therefore, the situation is far from idyllic.

Italian Media Blasts Serie A Referees Amid ‘Explosive’ Situation

TORREON, MEXICO – FEBRUARY 19:Picture of the VAR system prior the 9th round match between Santos Laguna and Cruz Azul as part of the Torneo Clausura 2025 Liga MX at Corona Stadium on February 19, 2025 in Torreon, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Guadarrama/Getty Images)

“After just four rounds of the league, the situation in the world of refereeing has already become explosive,” Il Giornale’s report read.

“Here, the factors at play are essentially twofold.

“One stems from internal tension (between the CAN and the AIA leadership).

“Meanwhile, the other comes from external pressures, marked by the troubling streak of mistakes made by referees and VAR officials alike.

“To navigate this intricate and complex issue, it is best to start with the internal unrest within the category.

“In recent days, there was a clarifying meeting between FIGC president Gravina and the representative of international referees, Guida.

“The meeting served to defuse an unusual threat of a strike and provided a preview of a forthcoming internal reform that the federation’s executive board intends to approve.