Orsato sets out refereeing approach: ‘We’ll punish fouls, not contact’ | OneFootball

Daniele Orsato has set out the approach he wants from his officials as he prepares for his first season as Serie A and Serie B refereeing designator, promising a clear distinction between genuine fouls and incidental contact.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the former referee outlined his thinking to Rai Radio 1. “We’ll train to punish fouls, not contact in play,” Orsato said, laying down the guiding principle for the campaign ahead.

“These are intense days, we’re trying to study the individual profile of every referee. We’re looking for clear guidelines for the young officials, we’ll work on the athletic side and return to being technically strong.”

VENICE, ITALY – MAY 27: Referee Daniele Orsato makes his way on the pitch with assistants Alessandro Giallatini and Fabiano Preti during the Serie B Playoffs Final match between Venezia FC and AS Cittadella at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on May 27, 2021 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Nicolo Zangirolami/Getty Images)

Orsato addresses soft penalties and simulation

The new designator also touched on two long-running debates in Italian football: the awarding of soft penalties, or ‘rigorini’, and diving.

“We’ll follow the rules and work on our mistakes to get as few wrong as possible, the good faith and commitment of my lads will be total,” he said. On simulation, he promised vigilance: “We’ll monitor everything. This is an aspect that is on the decline.”

Orsato singled out Maurizio Mariani, the only Italian official at the World Cup, as a benchmark. “He put in three very good performances at the World Cup, he’ll be our guide on the pitch and an example for the younger ones,” he said.

Asked about the officiating at the tournament, he was complimentary, praising Slavko Vincic’s display in the final, while sidestepping the Balogun controversy entirely: “I didn’t take an interest in that subject. These are situations bigger than me.”

His remarks flesh out the new era of Italian officiating that will also see VAR used to review wrongly awarded corners and second yellow cards next season, a UEFA-inspired shift Orsato has been charged with implementing.