Rocchi Clarifies Serie A Refereeing Decisions, Addresses Corner Kick Controversy

G. E (Elbotola)

03 March 2026at17:30

Gianluca Rocchi, responsible for appointing referees for Italy's first and second divisions, explained the reasons behind the varying refereeing decisions related to corner kicks during Serie A's 27th round matches. He affirmed that cases which raised questions underwent a precise review to clarify the criteria used for on-field decisions, especially in matches that saw direct interventions inside the penalty area.

During his participation in the "Open Var" program on the Dazn platform, Rocchi reiterated the validity of a goal scored in the Milan-Parma match. He pointed out that a player standing still on the goal line does not constitute a foul. Gianluca Rocchi stated, "I reaffirm the validity of the goal in the Milan-Parma match. If a player is stationary on the goal line, they are not committing a foul, and therefore the goal cannot be disallowed." He simultaneously admitted that the communication mechanism regarding this decision was not entirely satisfactory, despite the correctness of the action taken.

In a related context, the refereeing official supported referee Massimi's decision in the Parma-Cagliari match to award an attacking foul against player Valenti due to his interference with goalkeeper Caprile. Rocchi explained that movements aimed at obstructing a goalkeeper necessitate direct intervention. He noted, "The referee was very successful in detecting the contact between Valenti and Caprile and awarding the foul. If there are movements that cause annoyance to the goalkeeper, intervention is immediate in such cases," thereby clarifying the fundamental difference between the two situations when dealing with goalkeepers.

On another note, Rocchi's clarifications also covered other decisions from the same round, including the yellow card issued to Hakan Çalhanoğlu in the Inter Milan-Genoa clash, as well as the assessment of Pavlović's goal in the Cremonese-Milan encounter. This initiative is part of the Italian Football Federation's Referees' Committee efforts to enhance transparency regarding decisions impacting match outcomes.

Q&A

What did Gianluca Rocchi clarify regarding Serie A refereeing?

Gianluca Rocchi clarified the varying refereeing decisions from Serie A's 27th round, focusing on corner kicks and penalty area interventions. He explained the validity of a goal in one match and an attacking foul in another, aiming for greater transparency.

How did Gianluca Rocchi explain the Milan-Parma goal decision?

Rocchi reaffirmed the validity of the Milan-Parma goal, stating that a player standing still on the goal line does not constitute a foul. He acknowledged, however, that the communication surrounding this specific decision was not entirely satisfactory.

Why is the Italian Football Federation clarifying referee decisions?

The Italian Football Federation's Referees' Committee aims to enhance transparency regarding decisions that impact match outcomes. Rocchi's participation in the "Open Var" program is part of this ongoing effort to clarify criteria for on-field calls.