Italian football’s challenging relationship with technology has reached a critical juncture during the 2025/26 season.
After a weekend marred by significant officiating blunders and increasing outrage from prominent league managers, Serie A President Ezio Simonelli has formally scheduled an emergency meeting for March 23, 2026.
This urgent gathering, involving club presidents, coaches, and chief refereeing official Gianluca Rocchi, seeks to confront what many describe as a “systemic flaw” within the existing VAR framework.
With more than 1,080 VAR interventions logged this season, the core debate has shifted from technology’s place in football to the competence of those operating it in upholding the league’s integrity.
The Kalulu Incident: Sparking the Demand for Change
The recent controversy escalated significantly following the Derby d’Italia match between Inter and Juventus.
During the match, referee Federico La Penna issued a second yellow card to Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu for a tackle on Alessandro Bastoni.
However, despite clear video replays indicating no contact, VAR was unable to intervene due to existing protocols that prohibit reviewing second yellow cards.
Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini declared, “We have reached an irreversible stage.”
He added, “The situation is compromised, and it’s ludicrous that technology is available yet restricted by its own regulations.”
President Simonelli reiterated these concerns, mentioning that Italy had previously informed the International Football Association Board (IFAB) that the protocol was “insufficient.”
The upcoming March 23 meeting is anticipated to push the FIGC to advocate for “Coach Challenges” and grant VAR the authority to review any card leading to a player’s dismissal.
Antonio Conte Denounces “Unreliable” VAR Protocol
Juventus isn’t alone in its outrage. Napoli manager Antonio Conte sharply criticized officiating standards after recent disappointments in both the Coppa Italia and Serie A.
Conte’s exasperation reached its peak when a goal by Miguel Gutiérrez was disallowed due to a minimal foul during the preceding play—a ruling he branded “damaging to the sport.”
Speaking to Sport Mediaset, Conte commented, “This is undoubtedly not a positive season for referees.”
He added, “Everyone is voicing complaints—coaches, players, and supporters alike. Just as we strive to improve our teams, officials must also elevate their performance. This situation is detrimental to football.”
Alarming Statistics: Over 1,080 VAR Interventions This Season
The statistics underscore the severity of the controversy. While VAR intervened only 56 times in the 2018-2019 season, that figure has surged to over 1,000 this season, with 68% of these corrections impacting goals.
| Metric | 2018-2019 Season | 2025-2026 Season (To Date) |
| Total VAR Interventions | 56 | 1,080+ |
| Goal Corrections | ~40% | 68% |
| Average Review Time | 82 Seconds | 145 Seconds |
Critics contend that the excessive number of reviews disrupts the “flow” of Italian matches, transforming every goal celebration into an agonizing wait.
Former midfielder Riccardo Montolivo encapsulated the prevailing sentiment, stating, “The VAR referee now wields more authority than the on-field official. It’s chaotic.”
With the Scudetto race entering its decisive phase, the pressure on Gianluca Rocchi and his officiating team has intensified considerably.
The upcoming March 23 summit is now under intense scrutiny, as Serie A seeks to rectify its technological issues before the season spirals into further disarray.