The investigation into Italian football's referee system took a new turn as Giancarlo Viglione, the FIGC's legislative head and a self-professed Inter fan, was heard by Milan prosecutor Paolo Ascione. Viglione, not under formal investigation, is a key figure in the probe examining potential irregularities at the VAR center in Lissone. The hearing, part of a broader series of auditions, targets the so-called "bussata" episode, which investigators believe may reveal unauthorized interference in federal controls.
Viglione’s role as the FIGC’s legal advisor and close aide to former president Gabriele Gravina places him at the heart of institutional decision-making. However, his open affinity for Inter Milan has drawn scrutiny. The prosecutor is particularly interested in Viglione’s involvement in facilitating access for federal inspectors to the Lissone VAR hub. According to Tuttosport, the Lega Serie A allegedly consulted Viglione to assess the legality of these inspections, raising questions about possible preferential treatment.
The 52-year-old lawyer’s relationship with Inter has been documented in several instances. Last season, he was photographed celebrating the Nerazzurri’s Scudetto on the pitch, embracing coach Simone Inzaghi and executives Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio. Earlier, gossip site Dagospia reported a dinner at Milan’s The Wilde restaurant featuring Gravina, Marotta, Viglione, and Inter lawyer Angelo Capellini. The caption famously quipped: “Ah, non saperlo ma gli juventini saranno contenti…”—a remark that underscored the perception of cozy ties between the federation and Inter.
At the 2025 Gran Galà del Calcio, Sky cameras captured Viglione in animated conversation with Inter officials Ausilio and Carlo Schenone, further fueling concerns over impartiality. These episodes have cast a shadow over his institutional neutrality, especially given his oversight of legislation that affects all Serie A clubs.
The Milan prosecutor’s focus on the “bussata” stems from allegations that the FIGC’s federal prosecutor’s office may have acted beyond its mandate when probing the Lissone center. Viglione’s testimony is deemed crucial to unraveling who authorized the inspections and whether proper protocols were followed. The hearings aim to determine if the FIGC and Lega Serie A overstepped boundaries, potentially compromising the independence of the VAR system.
This development has major implications for the league. If the probe confirms irregularities, it could erode trust in officiating and lead to sanctions against clubs involved. For Inter, the perception of undue influence risks damaging its reputation, while other clubs may question the fairness of competition. The outcome may also prompt reforms in how the FIGC manages conflicts of interest among its officials.
Prosecutor Ascione is expected to continue gathering testimony from FIGC employees and Serie A representatives in the coming days. The investigation, which already involves former Inter executive Roberto Butti and ex-referee designator Michele Pinzani, is accelerating. Viglione’s hearing marks a critical step in understanding whether the federation’s legal arm was used to shield certain interests.
As Italian football awaits clarity, the broader narrative highlights the delicate balance between institutional roles and personal loyalties. The Viglione case serves as a reminder that in football governance, perception of bias can be as damaging as actual wrongdoing. The next auditions will determine whether the probe uncovers systemic flaws or simply reinforces existing protocols.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.