Serie A introduces ref interviews

By Football Italia staff

Nicola Rizzoli announces that Serie A referees may start being interviewed after matches as well.

The 44-year-old is among the most respected game officials in Italy, and he commented on a number of innovations proposed by the Italian Refereeing Association President Marcello Nicchi.

“Starting from next year I think we'll have an initial testing phase in which referees will be allowed to speak after the game,” Rizzoli told Radio 1 Rai. “I think that's going to happen soon. It's one of the objectives of President Nicchi.

“We'll see if people are willing to listen to us, though speaking after certain delicate games, under the pressure of fans and the media, can be very difficult.”

Rizzoli was involved in a controversy after the Turin derby, when he failed to send off Juventus player Leonardo Bonucci.

“I think people spoke of that too much. It's not something that demoralised or touched me very much.

“It's true that referees shouldn't be approached by players, but you can't build a whole case out of a couple of photographs. If you look at the videos you can tell that there was nothing, no contact.”

Rizzoli also expressed his opinion on the use of video replays, which will gradually be introduced in Serie A over the next two years.

“I don't like to speak of video replays, I prefer the term 'technology', which is philosophically different and more appropriate.

“Referees have to compete against 20-30 cameras, which is impossible. We can't always be blamed in these situations, so it's right to change something.

“If technology is used in an intelligent manner, without imposing a one-minute break that would change the nature of the game, then it will be useful. Objectivity over subjectivity, and the possibility of taking decisions quickly, are what's important.

“It's a really good thing that the Italian Federation should have come forward to trial this system. Our championship is an excellent testing ground as there is a lot of pressure.”

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow