The ongoing investigation into alleged referee manipulation in Italian football took a significant turn on Friday as Giorgio Schenone, Inter's head of referee relations, spent over three hours in Milan's prosecutor's office. Schenone's testimony is considered crucial for understanding the extent of contacts between the club and former Serie A designator Gianluca Rocchi. The inquiry, led by public prosecutor Maurizio Ascione, is probing whether there was a systematic attempt to influence referee assignments and VAR decisions to favor Inter during the 2025-26 season.
Schenone, who is not currently under investigation, confirmed regular communication with Rocchi but denied any attempts to pressure or influence refereeing decisions. According to sources from La Repubblica, the prosecutor focused heavily on the nature of these interactions—whether they were routine professional exchanges or constituted undue influence. Schenone stated, "I never made any requests regarding which referees should be assigned to Inter matches." However, investigators remain skeptical, particularly regarding an incident during the Coppa Italia semifinal between Inter and Milan on April 2, 2025, where allegedly the club expressed a desire to avoid referee Daniele Doveri.
The probe has already led to the suspension of several high-profile figures. Former AIA president Antonio Zappi received a 13-month suspension for his role in the scandal, while Rocchi voluntarily stepped aside as designator after being summoned for questioning. These developments highlight the deepening crisis within Italian refereeing, as the investigation expands to include potential interference in the VAR room at Lissone.
In parallel to the Schenone hearing, the prosecutor also interviewed new designator Dino Tommasi and former AIA chief Antonio Zappi. Both are considered informed parties, and their statements are expected to shed light on the alleged "bussate"—targeted interventions to alter or confirm on-field decisions. Tommasi, who took over from Rocchi on an interim basis, appeared in wiretapped conversations with the former designator discussing controversial match incidents. Zappi, already sanctioned, provided details on internal AIA procedures and VAR operations.
The investigation, which began with interrogations of VAR officials Luigi Nasca and Rodolfo Di Vuolo in late 2024, has now widened to include several top figures. The core allegation is that Rocchi, under pressure from Inter representatives, steered key refereeing assignments to favor the Nerazzurri during the Scudetto race, which they ultimately lost to Napoli. Wiretaps suggest "insistent requests" were made to avoid certain referees, particularly Doveri, in decisive matches.
For Inter, the implications are severe. If proven, the club could face sanctions including points deductions or even relegation. The question now is whether Schenone acted alone or as a conduit for higher-ranking club officials. Investigators are expected to summon other Inter executives in the coming days, possibly including board members. The club has maintained its innocence, but the mounting evidence suggests a coordinated effort to manipulate the system.
The broader impact on Serie A is equally concerning. The credibility of the league's officiating is at stake, with fans and pundits questioning the integrity of results from the past season. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is under pressure to implement reforms, such as greater transparency in referee assignments and stricter oversight of communications between clubs and officials.
As the inquiry enters its next phase, all eyes are on the upcoming hearings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. The prosecutor is expected to examine more witnesses, including additional Inter staff and refereeing figures. The outcome could reshape Italian football's regulatory landscape, potentially leading to a complete overhaul of the designator system and VAR protocols.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.com - Calcio.