Gianluca Rocchi — the man who assigns referees to every Serie A and Serie B match — is under criminal investigation for "participation in sports fraud." He's suspected of physically interfering with VAR officials during live matches. Not a paperwork dispute. Not a vague allegation of bias. Allegedly knocking on the glass of the VAR booth to push officials toward specific decisions.
Rocchi confirmed it himself on Saturday: "This morning I received a notice of investigation. I am sure I have always acted correctly and I have full confidence in the judiciary."
What the investigation actually claims
The inquiry, led by Milan Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione, focuses primarily on the 2024-25 season — the one Napoli just won on the final matchday. According to reports, Rocchi allegedly left his designated position at the Lissone VAR center and knocked on the VAR room's glass door during live reviews, attempting to steer on-field decisions.
One specific incident stands out. During Udinese vs. Parma on March 1, 2025, VAR official Daniele Paterna was reviewing a potential handball in Parma's penalty area. His initial read: no foul — "Look at the position of the arm, it seems on the body." Then he glanced off-camera. Investigators believe Rocchi intervened at that moment. Udinese got the penalty. They scored. They won 1-0.
The investigation also reopens a previously archived case from 2023-24 involving Alessandro Bastoni, where VAR official Luigi Nasca was demoted for failing to flag a foul that led to a goal. Civil courts have now pulled it back into the light.
Beyond the VAR interference, the probe examines whether Rocchi assigned referees preferred by certain clubs — Inter named specifically in reports — rather than making neutral appointments. No club has commented.
The shadow of Calciopoli
Italy has been here before. In 2006, the Calciopoli scandal exposed a system where clubs were actively selecting favorable referees. Juventus were relegated, stripped of two titles, and the entire football establishment was restructured. That was nearly 20 years ago.
The parallels are obvious, and they're uncomfortable. If the allegations against Rocchi hold up, this isn't a rogue official making bad calls — it's the person controlling the entire refereeing apparatus allegedly tilting outcomes. Every close decision, every converted penalty, every title race from the past two seasons now sits under a cloud.
Italian sport minister Andrea Abodi didn't mince words: "The most serious issue that emerges is how this complaint was handled within the football system." That complaint came from former referee assistant Domenico Rocca back in May 2025 — and by Abodi's own admission, there has been no public response and no clarity on who received it or what was done with it.
Any market touching Serie A results from the 2024-25 season — handicaps, title odds, relegation outcomes — is now built on potentially compromised ground. Napoli's Scudetto may be legitimate. But the question will follow them regardless.
The investigation is ongoing. CONI has been formally asked for answers. Rocchi remains in post, for now.
