Italian authorities have widened their investigation into a new Serie A referee scandal, with several top officiating figures now under scrutiny. Those implicated are all linked to the refereeing world, and no players or club officials from Serie A sides are currently under investigation, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport and other Italian media.
Refereeing Figures in the Spotlight
The probe centres on Gianluca Rocchi, the former Serie A refereeing designator, who is accused of influencing VAR officials and allegedly selecting referees favourable to Inter during the 2024-25 season. Also under investigation are VAR officials Luigi Nasca, Rodolfo Di Vuolo, and Daniele Paterna, along with VAR supervisor Andrea Gervasoni. Despite the allegations, there is no evidence that Rocchi communicated directly with Inter regarding referee appointments.
The Milan Prosecutor’s office has added more names to its register of suspects, but all remain within the officiating sphere. Italian media stress that no footballers or club directors are involved at this stage, reinforcing the notion that the scandal is confined to refereeing personnel.
Video Evidence Raises Concerns
A key piece of evidence involves a video from March 1, 2025, showing Daniele Paterna receiving external communication during the Udinese vs Parma match. The footage suggests Paterna urged the on-field referee to review a decision at the pitchside monitor despite initial hesitation — a move that has raised questions about protocol breaches within the VAR system.
The incident has intensified scrutiny on the integrity of officiating processes in Serie A. Former referee Tommasi has been appointed as the interim refereeing designator while the investigation unfolds. Meanwhile, Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta has publicly stated the club feels 'safe in the knowledge we are not involved' in the scandal.