Sozza and the VAR team from the Olimpico are benched, while Marchetti and Marini are cleared after the Maradona controversies
Italian refereeing authorities have delivered a clear verdict after a weekend dominated by officiating debates. While the handling of Napoli–Verona has been judged correct, the mistakes made during Lazio–Fiorentina have led to immediate consequences.
Lazio–Fiorentina: stop for Sozza and the VAR team
The most significant decision concerns the match at the Olimpico. Referee Simone Sozza, VAR Daniele Pezzuto, and AVAR Federico Prontera have all been temporarily sidelined—likely for one or two matchdays.
The key error was the unawarded penalty for Lazio: a clear holding foul by Pongracic on Mario Gila. According to refereeing chiefs, the infringement was obvious, functional to stopping the attacker, and should have been corrected by VAR.
Gudmundsson’s penalty also questioned
Officials also expressed doubts over the penalty awarded to Fiorentina late in the match. Although contact existed, Albert Gudmundsson was judged to have exaggerated the fall by dragging his leg, making the call highly debatable.
These combined errors prompted the decision to bench the officiating crew.
Napoli–Verona: decisions approved
By contrast, the refereeing performance in Napoli–Verona has been fully endorsed. Referee Matteo Marchetti and VAR official Maurizio Marini are expected to continue officiating without interruption.
The controversial calls were reviewed and deemed correct:
- Buongiorno’s handball was considered punishable due to the defender’s arm being in an unnatural position, even if influenced by contact.
- Rasmus Højlund’s disallowed goal was ruled out for handball in the immediate build-up, with VAR images confirming contact with the arm.
A clear message from the top
The refereeing hierarchy’s stance sends a strong signal: VAR must intervene decisively when errors are clear and game-changing. Where rules are applied correctly—even in controversial moments—officials will be protected.
Consistency remains the challenge, but the message is unmistakable: accountability is now non-negotiable.
