In Cascia, a training camp has gathered 46 referees, along with 85 assistants and 21 VAR officials, as they prepare for the new season. The camp, which includes double training sessions and classroom study, will run until tomorrow. Gianluca Rocchi, recently re-elected as the chief referee for the next two years, laid out two main priorities for the upcoming season: a stronger fight against racism and emphasizing the captain’s role as the main point of contact with the referees.
Rocchi stated, “We will continue to focus on racism. We will not take any steps back. There has only been one case, well-handled by Maresca. This year, we aim to make captains the absolute reference point.” He explained that the referee will only explain decisions to the captain, similar to their approach at the European Championship. “If this occurs civilly, that’s good. But if it happens amidst a crowd of ten players, then it turns into chaos. The captain will be established as the sole point of reference,” Rocchi emphasized.
He also introduced a gesture that referees will use during matches: an outstretched arm downwards, symbolizing “maintaining distance.” Rocchi made it clear that any referee who struggles to communicate should expect intervention from him to ensure the game runs smoothly. Regarding protests, he warned of strictness: “We will not allow our referees to work under pressure. We request full cooperation while providing our support. No more encirclement tactics during games.”
Rocchi further analyzed rules concerning handballs and violent tackles. “A deliberate handball in the area will always lead to a red card. Other handling incidents will only result in a yellow card, depending on the context of the game,” he detailed. Rocchi insisted on avoiding time-wasting in matches, urging players to focus on playing football. He stressed that referees should make on-the-spot decisions as if technology didn’t exist, while acknowledging the importance of VAR.
Concerning penalty kicks, he added a note of caution: “What matters now is not who enters the area during the penalty kick but who impacts the action. If someone invades, they risk conceding a free kick against them.” He mentioned that the foot placement on the line would be crucial for determining an invasion.
Reflecting on his leadership, Rocchi said, “We have lost a significant figure in Orsato; he was our captain, and Guida will take over his role. The goal is to strengthen the captain’s presence. We’ve also lost Irrati and Valeri. Our refereeing school has received high praise in Europe, and it’s been decades since Italy had two referees in a major European competition.”
At the pre-season press conference, Lorenzo Casini, the president of Serie A, touted Italian referees as “an excellence in the world.” He noted that refereeing requires a special mindset, comparing it to pursuing a career in the judiciary. “Referees must be supported, protected, and respected. Strong measures are needed against those who mistreat referees to eliminate any suspicion of wrongdoing,” he stated.
Carlo Pacifici, president of the AIA, remarked on the challenges of the previous season, highlighting the positive outcomes, including the successful management of matches during the European Championship. With anticipation for the new season, Italian referees aim to uphold their standards on the international stage.