Serie A to Use VAR to Correct Wrong Corners in 2026/27

Italy’s top flight will join a new VAR protocol that allows referees to reverse corner decisions that were awarded in error. The rule, slated for the 2026/27 campaign, gives each national federation the option to adopt the system, and the Italian governing body has confirmed it will do so. By contrast, Serie B and Serie C are still deliberating, citing fewer camera angles as a limiting factor.

VAR Review of Corner Kicks – Italy’s Move

When the video assistant referee examines a corner, they can overturn the decision if it was wrongly given, provided the review does not interrupt the flow of the match. The mechanism is optional for each national association, reflecting a broader trend toward localized rule‑making. Italy’s acceptance of the protocol signals a more progressive stance compared with its lower divisions.

Second Yellow Card Review Becomes Mandatory Across All Competitions

A separate change introduced by IFAB will force VAR to assess any second yellow card shown during a game, although missed officiating errors remain unreviewed. The new system is compulsory for every competition, not just Serie A. It addresses high‑profile incidents such as the Kalulu‑Bastoni controversy, where a red card might have been rescinded under the updated review rules.

Italian Discipline Shifts Toward UEFA Standards

Italian referees will also adopt UEFA‑style tolerance for minor protests, so covering the mouth during a dispute no longer triggers an automatic dismissal. Players who briefly leave the pitch in objection will receive only a yellow card instead of a red. This adjustment aligns domestic officiating more closely with the broader European approach to discipline.

The upcoming changes blend technological intervention with modernized disciplinary judgment, aiming to improve fairness while preserving the rhythm of Serie A play.