VAR was ‘correct’ to revoke Fiorentina 1-0 Cremonese penalty, insist AIA
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 4: Referee Federico La Penna reacts during the Serie A clash between ACF Fiorentina and US Cremonese at Artemio Franchi on January 4, 2026, in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Despite widespread criticism surrounding the decision, the AIA (Italian Referees Association) maintains that revoking the penalty in the Fiorentina 1-0 Cremonese match was the correct move. The situation sparked considerable debate, with commentators from DAZN, Sky Sport Italia, and others unanimously declaring it an overreach of VAR, far exceeding the scope of a ‘clear and obvious error’ necessitating intervention. On the field, referee Federico La Penna awarded the penalty due to Federico Baschirotto’s foul on Roberto Piccoli, but he reversed this decision after reviewing it via VAR. AIA spokesman Andrea De Marco appeared on the DAZN Italia show Open VAR to justify the intervention.
Officials back VAR and referee after Fiorentina-Cremonese
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 4: ACF Fiorentina’s Roberto Piccoli in action during the Serie A match against US Cremonese at Artemio Franchi on January 4, 2026, in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“From the commission’s viewpoint, this call from the VAR and AVAR Gariglio was quite good; you simply cannot award a penalty for instances like this, especially considering precedents.” De Marco elaborated. “In the VAR room, they informed referee La Penna that Baschirotto had been held by the neck, leading to his fall. However, this does not constitute a foul; it was merely a collision with Piccoli as a result of his fall.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 4: ACF Fiorentina’s Roberto Piccoli in action during the Serie A match against US Cremonese at Artemio Franchi on January 4, 2026, in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Many analysts viewing that footage contended that both players were engaged in a physical contest, thus labeling the call of the ‘first’ foul as overly stringent. “Both players were attempting to gain position and contest the ball, but Piccoli ultimately brought the Cremonese player down. VAR reached the correct conclusion,” De Marco asserted. What’s the response to those who claim this is an overreach, given that the referee made the on-field call? “It’s generally preferable to conduct a VAR On-Field Review too frequently than not enough.” De Marco and the AIA also defended two contentious decisions in the Atalanta 1-0 Roma match.
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Published: 2026-01-05 20:59:00
source: football-italia.net
