VAR Controversies in Serie A: Kalulu-Rowe and Heggem-Oristanio Incidents Analyzed

Former Serie A referee Tiziano Pieri weighed in on the Kalulu-Rowe contact in the penalty area, a moment that frustrated Sarri. "In my opinion, it was a penalty, but we must examine the incidents and refereeing interpretations," Pieri stated. "We need to consider the refereeing standard: the goal is to reduce interventions by referees and VAR to align with international practice. We've seen in the Champions League, Euros, and World Cup that interventions are minimized. This clear error, which becomes subjective in Italy, has led to VAR abuse. I believe there's a desire to conform to European usage, so we need to understand when and how to intervene. The on-field referee made his call; we need to assess if Rowe's shirt pull was significant enough to justify his fall. Rowe slightly exaggerated because he went down after his shirt was tugged – this is the combination that prevents VAR from intervening. For me, it remains an error."

The discussion extended to the VAR's non-intervention. With claims that referees are now called to VAR less frequently than before, questions arise about a potential shift from one extreme to another. Pregliasco observed, "I had the impression that not even the players expected the VAR call. Until last year, there was always anticipation of a possible check. This year, they seem very quick, which, as a fan, aids the game's flow. The feeling is that more football is being played. It might be an extreme solution, but it helps the fluidity of matches. Last year, we reached a point where play was stopped too often, and there was no consistency – identical incidents were judged differently. It could have been a penalty, but it wasn't an intense tug, so I understand why it wasn't given and not considered a serious error."

Pieri believes Rowe's exaggeration played a part. "VAR official Marini saw the tug, but he would have also considered the possibility of reaching the ball. We also need to understand if Marini felt hesitant to intervene, as the disciplinary action could have been a clear goal-scoring opportunity and a red card." The former referee supports VAR from the bench. "All these controversies would disappear if Serie C's Football Video Support system were used, allowing the coach to request a review. I think we should start considering this possibility."

He shared an anecdote about refereeing an encounter where Conte, then a player, was helpful. "Conte on the field helped a lot. I recall a Juventus-Atalanta match where there was a pass, and the Atalanta striker was offside, but the winger had started from a regular position. The linesman raised his flag, then immediately lowered it, and Atalanta nearly scored. Everyone protested, but Conte intervened and sided with the referees. Today, Conte on the bench is very different from his playing days. Nedved was very difficult to referee, as was D'Aversa, who was highly critical, so you had to use psychology not to book him too early."

Another incident under scrutiny was Heggem's trip on Oristanio in the Bologna-Torino game. "This was also a penalty. Heggem struck Oristanio's foot, causing undeniable harm to the opponent," Pieri commented. "But here too, let's analyze Oristanio's movement: this back-and-forth leg motion is almost an attempt to exaggerate the impact, and players need to learn not to do that."