Italy`s third professional football division, Serie C, is poised to adopt a significant technological advancement for the upcoming season. According to the league`s new referee designator, Daniele Orsato, the season will feature a system officially termed “Football Video Support,” which he has hailed as a “great innovation.”
Speaking to the Italian press, Mr. Orsato, a former internationally renowned referee known for his precise officiating, conveyed considerable enthusiasm surrounding this introduction. This move represents a notable step forward for the league, which traditionally operates with fewer technological aids compared to its top-tier counterparts like Serie A. The implementation aims to provide officials with supplementary tools to enhance decision-making accuracy during crucial moments within matches.
The operational mechanism of Football Video Support introduces a novel element based on a coach challenge system, differing somewhat from the full VAR protocols seen elsewhere. Each team`s coach will be granted a limited allocation of two opportunities, or `calls,` per match to request a video review of a specific incident they believe involved a clear and obvious error.
The strategic implication here is evident: the efficacy of these challenges is key. A successful challenge, where the review validates the coach`s appeal and leads to a decision overturn, results in the retention of that challenge opportunity. Conversely, an unsuccessful challenge consumes one of the team`s two allocated reviews, adding a distinct layer of tactical consideration for coaches regarding when and whether to deploy their limited calls.
The review process itself involves the fourth official initially scrutinizing video footage of the play in question to prepare the relevant angles. However, the ultimate authority and action lie squarely with the on-field referee. Upon receiving a formal challenge request that meets the criteria, the referee will proceed to a designated video review area located pitch-side to personally assess the incident on screen before rendering the definitive ruling, thereby maintaining the central role of the match official.
Mr. Orsato emphasized the undertaking as an “important challenge” for the league`s officiating body and characterized it as a “notable step forward” for Serie C football in its pursuit of modernization and fairness. He also extended specific commendation to an individual referred to as “Zappi,” credited with successfully bringing this video support system to fruition – an achievement he noted had not been previously realized within the league`s operational framework.
This initiative signals Serie C`s commitment to leveraging technology for improved officiating, aiming to enhance the fairness and precision of match outcomes in the division. While distinct in its implementation from full VAR, the Football Video Support system represents a significant investment in technology for a lower-tier league, potentially setting a precedent for other divisions seeking effective, perhaps less complex, video assistance solutions.