Statistics show Serie A referees and VAR letting play flow in 2026/27

Statistics unveiled for the 2026/27 Serie A season indicate that referees and VAR are successfully allowing the game to flow more smoothly. According to Refereeing Designator Daniele Orsato, the new approach to fouls and VAR implementation has transformed the league. From the outset of the season, officials declared they would adopt a more flexible stance, addressing player and coach concerns about excessive soft free kicks that slowed game tempo and disadvantaged Italian teams in European competitions.

At a recent meeting in Bergamo, Lega Serie A, the Italian Referees’ Association, and representatives from the 20 Serie A clubs evaluated the performance of the five completed rounds. While acknowledging some errors, they defended their decision to only rely on VAR in cases of clear and obvious mistakes or when the referee's view was obstructed. Refereeing Director Domenico Messina emphasized their intention to enhance the viewing experience without overreacting to minor offenses.

The statistics demonstrate the effectiveness of these changes. On average, teams now spend 59 minutes and 31 seconds with the ball in play, a notable increase of over five and a half minutes compared to the previous two seasons. Fouls have also decreased significantly, with an average of 22.6 awarded per match this season, compared to 26.23 in the past two seasons and lower than the Premier League’s 23.28 average.

Remarkably, only two penalties have been awarded so far this season, down from nine at this stage in 2025/26 and 14 in 2024/25, even fewer than the 16 in 2023/24. Conversely, yellow cards have dropped from an average of 3.53 per game to 3.03, with a reduction in red cards as well—from six in previous seasons to just two this year and five last season.

The most significant change has been the reduction in VAR interruptions, with just one On-Field Review recorded this season, compared to six or eight in the last three seasons. Orsato reiterated their commitment to the new guidelines, stating, "The objective is to favour football and not blow the whistle for the slightest contact. These are the guidelines we are sticking with throughout the season."