Starting in the 2026/27 season, Serie A will implement an important change to refereeing practices by utilizing VAR to rectify incorrectly awarded corner kicks.
National federations have the discretion to adopt this measure, and Italy’s top division will opt in, whereas Serie B and C are still considering it, primarily due to their limited camera coverage.
According to Corriere dello Sport, referees will have the ability to overturn a corner awarded in error, as long as this does not disrupt the ongoing match.
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 03: Referee Andrea Gervasoni officiates during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi on November 3, 2013, in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
VAR to Review Second Yellow Cards in Serie A
Additionally, in a more significant update, VAR will now have the authority to review second yellow cards that have been issued, but not those that were overlooked.
This change is in compliance with IFAB directives and will be mandatory across all competitions. It comes after several controversies from the last season, including the infamous Kalulu-Bastoni incident, which could have been overturned with an on-field review if this measure had been implemented.
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Furthermore, Italian officiating is shifting towards a more UEFA-like approach, where covering the mouth during disputes with opponents will not result in an automatic red card; instead, a yellow card will suffice. The same leniency will extend to players who temporarily leave the pitch in protest.