Italian Refereeing Scandal Revives Calciopoli Fears

On 27 April 2026, Italian prosecutors charged Gianluca Rocchi, head of referee design for Serie A and Serie B, and Andrea Gervasoni, the VAR supervisor, with “complicity in sporting fraud.” Both suspended themselves from the National Referees’ Committee (CAN). The indictment claims Rocchi assigned specific officials to Inter Milan matches in the 2025-26 season and intervened in VAR decisions during Udinese’s 1-0 win over Parma and a Serie B penalty involving Salernitana and Modena.

The GuardianScandal in Italian football, Calciopoli 2 or the next scandal? Here's how much the "azurra" national team and Italian clubs risk

The allegations echo the 2006 Calciopoli scandal, which saw Juventus relegated and several clubs penalised after wiretapped conversations revealed a network influencing referee appointments. Prosecutors say the current probe targets only a few individuals, but the historical parallel has amplified scrutiny.

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Inter president Giuseppe Marotta said the club learned of the investigation only that day and affirmed that “we have acted with absolute correctness.” Rocchi’s lawyer Antonio D’Avirro called the accusations “unfounded” and noted the lack of named co-accused. Gervasoni’s lawyer Michele Ducci described his client as “very calm” and questioned why a Serie B case matters for a Serie A supervisor. Giancarlo Abete, head of the non-league football body, warned that “we are at an early stage” and urged restraint. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi signaled possible state intervention.

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Sports-law expert Mattia Grassani argued that any alleged misconduct falls under the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), not political authorities, suggesting the legal framing may be premature. Corriere della Sera warned that UEFA could strip Italy of hosting Euro 2032 if systematic interference is confirmed.

Scandal in Italian football, Calciopoli 2 or the next scandal? Here's how much the "azurra" national team and Italian clubs risk

Two matches—Udinese vs Parma (1-0) and Salernitana vs Modena (penalty)—are cited for alleged VAR interference. Inter leads Serie A by ten points with four games left, and Rocchi is accused of influencing at least two referee appointments for Inter.

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Prosecutors have not identified the “unnamed individuals” allegedly involved in referee assignments. Rocchi’s lawyer claims the allegations lack substance, while the probe cites specific VAR-booth interactions. No independent verification exists of any impact on match results.

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• “emerge unscathed and stronger than before” — Gianluca Rocchi

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• “The statements made have amazed us,” — Giuseppe Marotta, Inter president

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• “these allegations are unfounded” — Gianluca Rocchi

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• “the victim of an injustice” — Gianluca Rocchi (as reported by Antonio D’Avirro)

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The prosecutor will question Gervasoni on 2 May and summon Rocchi for clarification. The FIGC’s pending presidential election and an appeal by Referees’ Association president Antonio Zappi add uncertainty to Italian football governance.

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