Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Monday, 09 February 2026, 17:37 / Updated on Monday, 09 February 2026 17:40
Refereeing scandals are multiplying in Italian football. The generous penalty awarded to Napoli in extra time of the game won with Genoa (3-2) created many controversies and more virulent reactions. But what Gian Piero Gasperini, his coach, was able to declare AS Romastands out, by attacking some Serie A opponents.
At the press conference ahead of tonight's match at the Olimpico in the 24th leg against Cagliari, Gian Piero Gasperini launched an unheard of attack, condemning those who try to fool the referees!
“Roma's coach has made a serious accusation that has shaken the world of football, denouncing the presence of specific individuals within the clubs who are dedicated to teaching players the art of deception,” writes Corriere dello Sport.
Gian Piero Gasperini / Photo: Gulliver/Getty Images
Taking inspiration from the recent controversy sparked by Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi, Gasperini added fuel to the fire without naming names but describing a practice he now considers widespread and unsportsmanlike.
Gian Piero Gasperini: “Teams started to receive visits from strange people from the world of refereeing”
“Teams have started to be visited by strange people from the world of refereeing, who teach players how to stay down if they are touched and wait for the end of the action, how to throw themselves on the pitch when the ball is headed,” said the Giallorossi technician, quoted by Sportmediaset.
After the team patronized by Dan Șucu was penalized with a shot from 11 meters following the contact without intensity between Vergara and Cornet, which happened in the Genoa box, De Rossi took a decisive position: “I don't know what to say anymore, we don't know what is clearly a foul anymore, if we have to step on someone's foot or not.
At the end of Thursday's match, AC Milan – Genoa 1-1, coach Daniele De Rossi had a conflict with Rossonero defender Strahinja Pavlovic / Photo: Imago
The football we used to play doesn't exist anymore, it's gone to hell. We were naive, but now I don't know anything anymore, I don't know what sport I train anymore. One of my staff colleagues said it well. We protest for everything, we always want to get an advantage from these distorted rules.
I didn't speak to the referee Massa after the game. This penalty leaves a bitter taste for me. We are all in the same boat. Today is our turn, tomorrow will be Napoli's”.
