Serie A Referees and VAR Embrace Flow: Statistics Show More Play in 2026/27

This season, Serie A referees and VAR officials have adopted a new approach, allowing play to flow more freely. Statistics presented by refereeing designator Daniele Orsato indicate a significant shift in how fouls and VAR interventions are handled, aiming to enhance the overall spectacle of the game.

The intention was signaled earlier in the season, following feedback from players and coaches who felt the league was plagued by too many minor foul calls. This tendency had previously slowed down the pace of matches, a disadvantage noted when Italian teams competed internationally.

Officials met with the Lega Serie A and Serie A clubs to review the opening five rounds. While acknowledging some refereeing mistakes, they maintained their stance on VAR, emphasizing its use for clear and obvious errors or situations the on-field referee couldn't properly see.

Domenico Messina, the refereeing director, stated, "We aim to directly contribute to a better game. We are working to reduce errors but will not deviate from our chosen path, especially as it has the support of the coaches involved."

The data clearly illustrates the impact of these changes on game continuity. The average time the ball is in play has increased to 59 minutes and 31 seconds, an improvement of over five and a half minutes compared to the previous two seasons.

The number of fouls awarded per match has dropped from an average of 26.23 to 22.6, now falling below the Premier League's average of 23.28.

Penalties have also seen a marked decrease, with only two awarded so far this season, a significant reduction from nine at this stage in 2025/26 and 14 in 2024/25.

Yellow card incidents have also decreased, from 3.53 per game to 3.03. The number of red cards has similarly fallen, with just two shown this season compared to six in 2023/24 and 2024/25, and five last year.

The most dramatic change is seen in VAR stoppages, with only one On-Field Review initiated this season, a sharp contrast to the six to eight seen in the past three seasons.

Orsato concluded, "Our goal is to favor football and avoid stopping play for the slightest contact. These are the principles guiding us throughout the season."