Italy’s ongoing refereeing controversy is now extending to Serie C, with a new issue arising concerning former top-flight referee Daniele Orsato.
Reports indicate that a formal complaint has been lodged with the FIGC Federal Prosecutor regarding the Serie C match between Ascoli and Vis Pesaro on April 4th. The complaint specifically targets Orsato, who currently serves as the league’s official designator, and an alleged telephone conversation he had with the officiating team after the game.
The crux of the complaint lies in the manner of this communication. Orsato is reported to have contacted referee Giorgio Di Cicco post-match, with the call reportedly placed on loudspeaker in the presence of other match officials and observers. Critics suggest this could potentially compromise the impartiality of the assessment of the referee’s performance and raise questions about the evaluation process.
However, an alternative interpretation suggests Orsato’s intention was simply to commend the referee and his team for their performance, requesting the call be shared to extend the praise collectively. The true intent, whether harmless or inappropriate, will likely be determined by any subsequent investigation.
This latest development occurs at a sensitive time for Italian football, as scrutiny on refereeing structures intensifies following the high-profile case involving Serie A and B designator Gianluca Rocchi. While these situations are distinct, the timing amplifies existing concerns about governance, transparency, and consistency within officiating bodies.
As the FIGC continues to address various issues across different levels of the sport, the outcome of this complaint could significantly influence the level of trust and accountability within Italy’s refereeing system.