Rocchi explains Parma 2-2 AC Milan penalty and VAR controversy | OneFootball

Refereeing designator Gianluca Rocchi and the audio from the VAR booth explain the confusion around Milan’s penalty against Parma, which was confirmed even after the On-Field Review.

DAZN have a weekly show called Open VAR where a representative from the AIA (Italian Association of Referees) comments on the decisions made during the previous Serie A weekend.

This includes audio from the conversations in the VAR booth and with the referee, to analyse how decisions were made in real time.

An incident that raised eyebrows was in Parma 2-2 Milan, when Marco Di Bello pointed to the spot for an Abdoulaye Ndiaye challenge on Alexis Saelemaekers.

Why VAR intervened in Parma vs. AC Milan

PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Rafael Leao of AC Milan scores his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Generally, the VAR only suggests an On-Field Review if there has been a “clear and obvious error,” so it is not often that the official stands by his original ruling.

The VAR insists that “Parma’s Number 3 puts his foot down and Saelemaekers goes towards him” and therefore recommends the On-Field Review.

However, when Di Bello views the footage, he reiterates “the defender never touches the ball, so I confirm the penalty.”

When analysing the entire incident, refereeing designator Rocchi confirms “it is the correct decision and Marco Di Bello made the correct evaluation, perhaps because he is also a very good VAR and knows the procedure.

“It is a clear penalty, and therefore in this case the On-Field Review is excessive. I will also say that it is better to do an extra On-Field Review rather than one too few, because the VAR is there to support the referee, but ultimately the referee makes the decision.”