Serie A coaches and referees discuss new approach to VAR
TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 14: Mario Hermoso of AS Roma is shown a yellow card by referee Fabio Maresca during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on September 14, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Serie A coaches met with referees today to discuss the new approach to VAR and penalties. ‘I’m satisfied because they clarified the parameters for evaluation,’ noted Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti.
It had already been warned before the 2026/27 season kicked off that officials would be focused on making the game flow a lot more than in the past, trying to award fewer free kicks and above all not as many soft penalties.
VAR would also be much less invasive too, intervening only when there are clear and obvious errors, taking into account the speed and intensity of contact rather than slow-motion replays.
This was discussed in today’s meeting of the Lega Serie A figures including coaches with representatives of the Italian Referees’ Association, spearheaded by new designator Daniele Orsato.
Serie A refereeing is changing
“This meeting is for an exchange of opinions, of information between clubs, coaches and referees,” noted Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli.
“We already had these encounters online, but are doing it in person now. The aim as always is to have uniformity in evaluation of incidents and clarity on the rules.”
The new approach has certainly resulted in far fewer spot-kicks, only five awarded in 50 games, but some have complained the change went too far the other way.
“As with all new things, there are some issues, which we saw with a few decisions. The fact we’ve had five rounds without a single 0-0 draw this season and vastly raised the active playing time is positive for the sport as a spectacle.
“Now we need to look at those areas where we can do better. I always say, strikers miss open goals, goalkeepers make howlers, at times the referees make mistakes too. I like this general approach of refereeing, it just needs to be refined a little bit.”
Among the controversial incidents was the Pierre Kalulu shirt tug on Jonathan Rowe in Juve’s 2-0 victory over Atalanta, where the jersey was visibly pulled inside the penalty area.
Another this weekend saw Torino complain that Torbjorn Heggem appeared to catch Gaetano Oristanio’s boot in their draw at Bologna.
“I am satisfied because they clarified the parameters for evaluation,” Juventus coach Spalletti told reporters leaving the meeting.
“That is fundamental for us to get as close as possible to their directives.”
When asked what he thought of the refereeing in the game with Atalanta, Spalletti smiled. “Don’t be mean…”
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