Serie A Referee Scandal: Gianluca Rocchi Under Investigation, Inter Milan’s Defense and What We Realize

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport

The Italian football world is reeling from one of its most serious officiating scandals in recent memory. At the center stands Gianluca Rocchi, the former Serie A referee designator, now under investigation by the Milan prosecutor’s office for alleged sports fraud. The case has sent shockwaves through the league, particularly affecting Inter Milan, and threatens to undermine the integrity of Italy’s top flight.

Here’s everything we know about the investigation, the specific allegations against Rocchi, the involvement of other officials, and how Inter Milan has responded to the growing controversy.

The Investigation: Three Key Episodes Under Scrutiny

The Milan prosecutor’s office has identified three specific matches where Rocchi’s conduct as referee designator is being examined for potential irregularities. While the full details remain under seal, the investigation appears focused on:

1. Inter Milan vs. Verona (January 6, 2024) – This match has emerged as a central case in the investigation, with particular attention on VAR decisions during the game.
2. Salernitana vs. Modena – Another game where Rocchi’s referee assignments are being questioned.
3. An unspecified third match that remains part of the sealed investigation.

The charges against Rocchi are serious: prosecutors allege he “combined arbiters favorable to Inter in concert with others.” This suggests a pattern of behavior rather than isolated incidents.

The “Gioca Jouer” Code: Alleged Secret Communication in VAR Room

One of the most explosive elements of the investigation involves alleged coded communication used in the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) room during the Inter-Verona match. According to reports verified in the primary sources:

• A phrase “Gioca Jouer” was allegedly used as a code during VAR communications.
• Hand gestures were reportedly used to convey instructions:
  • An open hand raised meant “do not intervene”
  • A closed fist meant “intervene”

These allegations, if proven, would represent a systematic attempt to manipulate officiating decisions through unofficial signals rather than following proper VAR protocols.

Who Else Is Involved? The Expanding List of Investigated Officials

While Rocchi remains the central figure, the investigation has expanded to include several other high-ranking officials:

• Andrea Gervasoni – VAR supervisor and former Serie A referee
• Rodolfo Di Vuolo – Another official present in the VAR room during the Inter-Verona match
• Luigi Nasca – VAR official for both the Inter-Verona and Salernitana-Modena matches

Gervasoni’s inclusion is particularly significant given his role as VAR supervisor, which would have given him substantial influence over video review decisions.

The Bastoni Incident: A Turning Point in the Investigation

The investigation gained momentum following a formal complaint filed by Michele Croce, a lawyer and Hellas Verona supporter. Croce’s complaint focuses on a specific incident from the January 6, 2024 match between Inter Milan and Verona:

• In the 72nd minute, Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi scored what would be the winning goal (3-1 final score).
• Verona players immediately protested, claiming Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni had committed a foul on Verona’s Duda in the buildup to the goal.
• The VAR officials did not intervene to review the play.

Croce stated in his complaint: “That episode seemed to me immediately like a theft, a fraud.” He argued that the VAR officials should have called for an on-field review of the Bastoni challenge, and that their failure to do so directly affected the match result.

This incident appears to have provided the initial spark for the broader investigation into potential patterns of biased officiating.

Inter Milan’s Response: A Club on the Defensive

Inter Milan has moved quickly to distance itself from the growing scandal. Club CEO Giuseppe Marotta addressed the media on Sunday, April 26, 2026, with a clear message:

“The club has always operated with maximum transparency and in full compliance with the rules. We have complete faith in the institutions and the investigative process. Any suggestion of impropriety by the club is completely unfounded.”

Marotta’s statement reflects Inter’s strategy of emphasizing their cooperation with authorities while denying any direct involvement. The club has not commented on specific allegations regarding individual matches.

This cautious approach is understandable given Inter’s position in the league. As of April 27, 2026, Inter Milan sits atop the Serie A table, having completed 32 matches of the 2025-26 season with an impressive record:

• 23 wins
• 5 draws
• 4 losses
• 74 points (4 points clear of second-place Juventus)

The timing of the investigation couldn’t be more delicate for Inter, who are pushing for their third consecutive Serie A title under manager Cristian Chivu.

What Happens Next: Legal and Sporting Implications

Several key developments are expected in the coming days and weeks:

1. Rocchi’s Interrogation: Gianluca Rocchi is scheduled to be questioned by prosecutor Maurizio Ascione in the coming days. This will be a crucial moment in the investigation.
2. League Response: The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Serie A will need to address the scandal publicly, though they have not yet issued official statements.
3. Potential Suspensions: While Rocchi has already voluntarily stepped aside from his role as referee designator, the investigation could lead to formal suspensions for any officials found to have violated sporting regulations.
4. Match Integrity Review: The three matches identified in the investigation may face scrutiny regarding their results and potential disciplinary consequences.

For Inter Milan specifically, the investigation presents several risks:

• Reputation Damage: Even if the club is ultimately cleared, the association with the scandal could tarnish their image.
• Title Implications: If any of Inter’s results from the 2023-24 or 2024-25 seasons are called into question, it could affect their current title push.
• Fan Backlash: Supporters of other clubs may use the scandal to question Inter’s recent successes.

How This Compares to Previous Italian Football Scandals

While not as extensive as the Calciopoli scandal of 2006, which involved wiretapped conversations between club officials and referees, this investigation shares some troubling similarities:

• Allegations of systematic influence over referee assignments
• Questions about the integrity of match results
• The involvement of high-ranking officials in the refereeing system

Though, there are key differences:

• This investigation appears focused on the refereeing system itself rather than direct club involvement
• The alleged use of coded VAR communications represents a new frontier in officiating controversies
• The scandal emerges at a time when Italian football is trying to rebuild its international reputation

What Fans Should Watch For

As this story develops, several key indicators will support assess the investigation’s impact:

1. Official Statements: Watch for communications from the FIGC, Serie A, and the Milan prosecutor’s office.
2. Referee Assignments: Any changes in how referees are assigned for upcoming matches could signal broader reforms.
3. VAR Procedures: Glance for potential changes in how VAR officials communicate during reviews.
4. Inter’s Performance: While unlikely to be directly affected, the psychological impact on players could manifest in upcoming matches.

Inter Milan’s next match is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026, against Como at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. This will be an important test for the team as they continue their title defense while managing the off-field distractions.

Key Takeaways

• Gianluca Rocchi, former Serie A referee designator, is under investigation for alleged sports fraud involving referee assignments.
• The investigation focuses on three specific matches, with Inter-Verona (January 6, 2024) being the most prominent.
• Allegations include the use of coded phrases (“Gioca Jouer”) and hand gestures in VAR communications.
• Three other officials (Andrea Gervasoni, Rodolfo Di Vuolo, and Luigi Nasca) are likewise under investigation.
• A formal complaint about a non-called foul by Alessandro Bastoni in the Inter-Verona match helped trigger the investigation.
• Inter Milan has denied any wrongdoing and emphasized their cooperation with authorities.
• The scandal threatens to undermine confidence in Serie A officiating at a critical time for Italian football.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Italian Football

This scandal arrives at a particularly sensitive moment for Italian football. After years of struggling to match the commercial success of the Premier League or the global appeal of La Liga, Serie A has been working to rebuild its reputation as a competitive, well-organized league.

The investigation raises several critical questions for the future of Italian football:

1. Can VAR be trusted? The allegations of coded communication in VAR rooms strike at the heart of the system’s credibility.
2. How will this affect Serie A’s international reputation? Broadcasting partners and sponsors may reconsider their investments if the scandal grows.
3. What reforms are needed? The investigation may force the FIGC to implement new safeguards in referee assignments and VAR procedures.
4. How will fans respond? The scandal risks further eroding fan trust in officiating, which has been a persistent issue in Italian football.

For Inter Milan specifically, the timing couldn’t be more challenging. The club is in the midst of a title race while also preparing for potential Champions League knockout matches. The psychological impact on players, who must now perform under the cloud of this investigation, cannot be underestimated.

As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: Italian football faces another moment of reckoning. How the league and its clubs respond will determine whether this becomes another damaging scandal or an opportunity to implement meaningful reforms that restore trust in the lovely game.

What’s Next: Gianluca Rocchi is scheduled to be questioned by prosecutor Maurizio Ascione in the coming days. Inter Milan will face Como on Friday, May 1, 2026, in their next Serie A match. Archysport will continue to provide updates as this story develops.

What are your thoughts on this developing scandal? Should referee assignments be more transparent? Share your views in the comments below.