Scandals related to refereeing are multiplying in Italian football. The penalty awarded to Napoli during stoppage time in their 3-2 victory against Genoa has generated much controversy. Gian Piero Gasperini, coach of Roma, made serious accusations ahead of the Serie A clash with Cagliari, accusing those who try to deceive referees. "Teams have started receiving visits from strange people from the refereeing world, who teach players to stay on the ground if touched and to wait for the end of the play, as if to throw themselves on the pitch when the ball is headed away," stated the giallorossi coach. Gasperini did not name specific clubs but accused some of "hiring former referees to teach players how to simulate fouls and exploit the VAR rules to their advantage." However, Italian media reports that the Roma coach's statements came in response to comments made by De Rossi, coach of Genoa, after their defeat to Napoli. "The penalty for Napoli? I don't know what else to say; in fact, we don't know what to say. It doesn't seem to me to be a clear error that deserves to be reviewed by VAR. The football we used to play no longer exists; it's a penalty that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. I don't know what sport I'm coaching; now we protest against everything, and the referee on the field no longer exists. I think we are giving VAR a very dangerous power," De Rossi stated.
Napoli Gian Piero Gasperini remains central to this story.
Napoli Gian Piero Gasperini remains central to this story.
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