Daniele Orsato, in his new role as the Serie A and Serie B refereeing designator, has articulated his vision for officiating, promising a clear distinction between deliberate fouls and mere physical contact. This approach aims to bring consistency and clarity to the game.

Speaking to Rai Radio 1, Orsato stated his intention to "train to punish fouls, not contact in play," setting a guiding principle for the upcoming season. He emphasized that the focus will be on penalizing actual infringements rather than the unavoidable physical exchanges that occur during intense matches.

The initial days of his tenure have been dedicated to thorough preparation. Orsato and his team are meticulously studying the individual strengths and profiles of each referee. The goal is to establish clear guidelines, particularly for younger officials, while also focusing on improving both the physical conditioning and technical expertise of the referees.

Addressing Controversial Decisions

Orsato also addressed two persistent issues in Italian football: the awarding of questionable penalties, often referred to as 'rigorini,' and instances of simulation (diving).

He affirmed a commitment to adhering to the laws of the game and learning from past errors to minimize incorrect decisions. Orsato expressed confidence in the "good faith and commitment of my lads," suggesting he believes the referees will approach their duties with integrity. Regarding simulation, he pledged increased scrutiny, noting that "this is an aspect that is on the decline."

Maurizio Mariani, the sole Italian referee at the recent World Cup, was highlighted as a positive example. Orsato praised Mariani's "three very good performances" at the tournament, designating him as a "guide on the pitch and an example for the younger ones."

When asked about the overall officiating at the World Cup, Orsato was complimentary, specifically commending Slavko Vincic's performance in the final. He chose to steer clear of specific controversies, stating he "didn't take an interest in that subject" and that those "situations [are] bigger than me."

These remarks signal a new direction for Italian officiating. In addition to Orsato's directive on foul interpretation, the upcoming season will also incorporate VAR reviews for incorrectly awarded corners and second yellow cards, a change inspired by UEFA and implemented under Orsato's charge.

English Translation:

Orsato's Refereeing Approach: 'We'll Punish Fouls, Not Contact'

Daniele Orsato has outlined the approach he desires from his officials as he prepares for his first season as the refereeing designator for Serie A and Serie B. He promises a clear distinction between genuine fouls and incidental contact.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the former referee shared his thinking with Rai Radio 1. "We'll train to punish fouls, not contact in play," Orsato stated, establishing the guiding principle for the upcoming campaign.

"These are intense days; we are trying to study the individual profile of every referee. We are looking for clear guidelines for the young officials. We'll work on the athletic side and return to being technically strong."

Orsato Addresses Soft Penalties and Simulation

The new designator also touched upon two long-standing debates in Italian football: the awarding of soft penalties, often called 'rigorini,' and diving.

"We'll follow the rules and work on our mistakes to get as few wrong as possible. The good faith and commitment of my lads will be total," he said. On simulation, he promised vigilance: "We'll monitor everything. This is an aspect that is on the decline."

Orsato singled out Maurizio Mariani, the only Italian official at the World Cup, as a benchmark. "He put in three very good performances at the World Cup. He'll be our guide on the pitch and an example for the younger ones," he commented.

Asked about the officiating at the tournament, he was complimentary, praising Slavko Vincic’s display in the final. He sidestepped the Balogun controversy entirely, stating: "I didn't take an interest in that subject. These are situations bigger than me."

His remarks flesh out a new era for Italian officiating, which will also see VAR used to review wrongly awarded corners and second yellow cards next season – a UEFA-inspired shift that Orsato has been tasked with implementing.