​Serie A is poised to implement a notable refereeing reform in the 2026/27 season, introducing the use of VAR to correct incorrectly awarded corner kicks. While each national federation can decide whether to adopt this measure, Italy’s top-flight will implement it, whereas Serie B and Serie C are still deliberating, partly due to a smaller number of available cameras that can feed the VAR system. According to Corriere dello Sport, referees will be empowered to overturn a corner awarded in error, as long as the review can be completed without causing disruption to the match flow.
In accompanying moves, a second, more consequential change is on the horizon: VAR will be able to review second yellow cards that have already been shown to a player. This particular adjustment is an IFAB directive and will be mandatory across all competitions. It follows a series of high-profile disputes from the previous season, most notably the Kalulu-Bastoni incident, where the red card could have been overturned following an on-field review had this rule been in effect at the time of the incident.
Italian refereeing is also trending toward a more UEFA-style framework in several other areas. For instance, mouth-covering during disputes with opponents will no longer automatically result in a red card; a yellow card will now be deemed sufficient. The same principle of leniency will apply to players who briefly exit the pitch in protest, with the expectation that such actions will carry lighter penalties than in the past. These shifts reflect a broader push to harmonize Italian officiating with European standards, aiming to reduce excessive punishment for disciplinary moments while maintaining the integrity of the game.
The move to allow corrections of erroneous corners by VAR will require precise protocol: crews must ensure that reviews are conducted in a way that preserves the tempo of the match and avoids unnecessary delays. The logistical challenge is greater in leagues with fewer camera angles, which is one reason Serie B and C have yet to finalize their stance while Italy’s top division moves forward. If implemented smoothly, the corner review rule could become a standard feature across Italian football, aligning domestic practices with international best practices and enhancing overall fairness on the field.
Fans and pundits will be watching closely as the 2026/27 season approaches, anticipating how these VAR-driven changes will influence decision-making, match outcomes, and the broader perception of refereeing in Serie A. The prospect of overturning clearly erroneous corners via review—without delaying play—promises a new era of precision and accountability in Italian football, while the broader VAR reviews of second yellow cards are set to bring consistency and fairness to disciplinary sanctions that have sparked debate in recent campaigns.