Orsato Acknowledges Serie A Refereeing Errors: 'Mistakes of Superficiality, Wrong Positioning, Wrong Ideas'

Daniele Orsato, Serie A's referee designator, has addressed the season's officiating, not as a personal doctrine but admitting to mistakes made.

Speaking in Lissone, Orsato responded to criticism regarding the perceived leniency in foul calls and VAR's passive stance. "There is no 'Orsato protocol' or my personal directive," he stated. "We aim to align with the league's and teams' expectations, who appear largely content, even after recent discussions. The approach is what football demands: fouls must be called, and VAR must intervene for clear and obvious errors. Players are performing commendably, referees are giving their all, and we're witnessing excellent matches."

Serie A Referee Designator Orsato: 'Five clear errors is too many'

However, Orsato was more candid about officiating blunders this season. "We are behind due to the errors committed; we could have done better," he admitted. "The game's speed brings side effects, which we anticipated. I expected more mistakes, but not these kinds. They are errors stemming from superficiality, incorrect positioning, and flawed judgment. I trust that through commitment and work, these clear mistakes won't be repeated."

On achieving consistency in debatable decisions, Orsato offered only a commitment to effort. "How can I guarantee it? I can only guarantee our daily work, which we do, striving for maximum alignment among officials. Teams and players want referees who apply the same standards at both ends of the pitch. That's the objective."

Orsato also confirmed his continued practice of avoiding assigning referees to matches involving clubs from their own region. "My view is that a referee from the same region as a team creates an external issue. It's better to avoid it. This is my philosophy, and I intend to maintain it throughout the season."

He was firm on the continued necessity of technology. "We will continue to use it to help us make fewer mistakes. Abandoning it would be irrational. If we can use it less because correct decisions are made on the field, that's ideal. Otherwise, we will use it to rectify errors."

These remarks follow a period where refereeing decisions have been a frequent topic of discussion. Torino expressed strong displeasure over a penalty not awarded in their draw against Bologna, with reports highlighting VAR's inaction. Inter's match against Roma also sparked debate concerning an unpunished incident involving Lautaro Martinez.