Gianluca Rocchi, the head of referees in Italy, has addressed the morning's accusations from Giorgio Chiellini, who demanded the resignation of referee La Penna following a controversial match incident. Rocchi highlighted that while they cannot defend La Penna's failure in the decision-making process, attention was being redirected towards other factors, including player simulation and shortcomings in the VAR protocol. He expressed regret about the referee's decision, stating it was clearly wrong, yet complicated by the inability to rectify it using VAR.

In his statements, Rocchi emphasized that the refereeing community is united in their frustration over the decision made during the match, which they believe is part of a larger issue facing the league. He pointed to a clear simulation that influenced the game, reiterating that this is not an isolated incident but rather part of an ongoing pattern where teams seem intent on deceiving officials. Rocchi's comments suggest a defensive position for the referees, aiming to shift some blame onto the players and the league's circumstances.

This incident raises important questions about the integrity of officiating in Italian football, as it reflects a struggle to maintain a fair playing field amidst increasing pressures from clubs and players alike. Rocchi’s remarks could spark further dialogue about VAR's role and effectiveness, considering the ongoing debates around technology's implementation in sports officiating. Furthermore, the need for consistent strategies to deal with player simulation may become a focal point for solutions moving forward.