Gianluca Rocchi: ‘I Always Acted Fairly, Trust the Justice System’
– By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief
Former Italian football referee Gianluca Rocchi has spoken publicly about his career and the controversies that surrounded his officiating, emphasizing his commitment to fairness and expressing trust in the Italian justice system amid ongoing scrutiny.
Rocchi, born on August 25, 1973, in Florence, Italy, served as a Serie A referee from 2004 to 2020 and was a FIFA-listed official from 2008 to 2020. His career included high-profile assignments such as the 2016 Coppa Italia Final between AC Milan and Juventus, the 2013 Supercoppa Italiana Final between Juventus and Lazio, and international duties during the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying and the 2012 London Olympics men’s football tournament.
One of the most notable incidents in Rocchi’s career occurred on October 6, 2014, when he officiated a Serie A match between Juventus and Roma. Following the game, he was suspended for one month by Italian football authorities for what was widely criticized as poor officiating. The match subsequently became known in media circles as the “Rocchi Horror Picture Show” due to the numerous contentious decisions that drew heavy criticism from players, coaches, and pundits.
Despite the controversy, Rocchi has maintained that his decisions were made impartially. In recent statements reported by Italian media outlets, he stated, “I always acted fairly, I trust the justice system,” reflecting his confidence in the procedural review of his officiating performances and his belief that any allegations against him would be addressed through proper legal and sporting channels.
Throughout his tenure, Rocchi was recognized for his role in elite football officiating. He was appointed as a UEFA Elite Referee from 2010 to 2020 and was selected to referee the UEFA Super Cup Final in 2017 between Real Madrid and Manchester United. His international experience also included refereeing three matches during the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying campaign and serving as an official at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
Rocchi’s refereeing career began in 1990, with his early years spent in the lower divisions of Italian football. He officiated 38 matches across three seasons in Serie C starting from 2000 before being promoted to Serie B in 2003. His Serie A debut came on May 16, 2004, in a match between U.S. Lecce and Reggina Calcio.
After retiring from active refereeing in 2020, Rocchi transitioned into administrative roles within Italian football refereeing structures. He has been involved in referee development and oversight, contributing to the training and evaluation of the next generation of officials in Italy.
While specific details about the nature of any current legal or disciplinary proceedings involving Rocchi were not available in the verified sources, his public expression of trust in the justice system suggests an ongoing process where his conduct as a referee is being reviewed. The former official has consistently maintained that his decisions were made in good faith and according to the Laws of the Game.
As of April 2026, Rocchi remains a respected figure in Italian football circles for his longevity and experience at the highest levels of the sport, despite the controversies that marked certain points of his career. His career statistics include over a decade of service in Serie A and numerous international appointments under FIFA and UEFA auspices.
The former referee’s career reflects the intense scrutiny faced by top-level officials in modern football, where split-second decisions can have significant consequences and become subjects of prolonged debate. Rocchi’s insistence on his fairness and his reliance on procedural justice underscore the challenges referees face in maintaining credibility amid intense public and media pressure.
For ongoing developments regarding Gianluca Rocchi’s post-refereeing involvement in Italian football, fans and officials are advised to consult official communications from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and refereeing authorities.
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