© photo by Federico Serra
The organizational details for the Serie B playoffs and playouts were finalized during a video conference meeting. The meeting involved the President of Serie B League, Paolo Bedin, the President of the Italian Referees` Association (AIA), Antonio Zappi, the Head of the National Referees` Committee (CAN), Gianluca Rocchi, and the participating clubs.
Key discussion points included enhancing matchday ceremonies, particularly for the two playoff finals, and implementing initiatives to support Special Olympics Sport`s European Football Week. These efforts aim to promote inclusion for athletes across all ability levels. The meeting also addressed new media content, such as pre-match interviews, and the adoption of new production standards. Furthermore, new logos for the playoffs and playouts were unveiled, set to be used throughout the final 10 matches of the season.
“These are very important matches, not just for the clubs and their objectives, but also for the media visibility of the championship,” highlighted Bedin. “We have prepared a series of branding and technical innovations, clarifying organizational aspects and outlining specific protocols to ensure optimal preparation for the season`s final games.”
Antonio Zappi reiterated the importance of Serie B, stating, “For us, it`s as important as Serie A; we`ve always seen it that way, and for these final matches, we will deploy the highest level of officiating. The implemented technology is a significant support that, combined with the professionalism of the referees, will have an important media impact.”
Gianluca Rocchi explained the technical guidelines for referees and the operational use of VAR. Special attention to the playoffs and playouts was underscored, emphasizing that synergy among referees, players, and television production is crucial for elevating the quality of the sports event.