Serie A coaches and referees meet to clarify new VAR approach | OneFootball

Serie A coaches met referees to cement a lighter touch use of VAR and penalties, with Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti pleased after the summit.

According to Football Italia, officials flagged before the 2026/27 campaign that they would prioritise flow, give fewer free kicks and avoid soft penalties. VAR is to step in only for clear and obvious errors, assessing speed and intensity of contact rather than slow-motion replays.

Today’s meeting brought together Lega Serie A figures and coaches with the Italian Referees’ Association, led by new designator Daniele Orsato. Lega Serie A president Ezio Simonelli framed it as an in-person exchange of views to improve clarity and consistency after previous online sessions.

The shift has cut spot-kicks, with only five awarded in 50 matches, though some feel the pendulum has swung too far. Simonelli accepted early issues, noted five rounds without a 0-0 and higher active playing time, and said the approach needs fine-tuning. He said mistakes, as with players, can occur.

Talking points included Pierre Kalulu tugging Jonathan Rowe’s shirt in Juventus’ 2-0 win over Atalanta, the pull occurring inside the box. Torino also protested after Torbjorn Heggem appeared to catch Gaetano Oristanio’s boot in their draw at Bologna.

Spalletti said evaluation parameters had been clarified, adding that such guidance is essential for teams to align with refereeing directives.

Source: Football Italia

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”