Daniele Orsato is the new referee designator for Serie A and Serie B, according to official announcements from the FIGC and AIA. Orsato succeeds Gianluca Rocchi in the role as part of the national refereeing appointments for the 2026/2027 sporting season, the Italian Football Federation confirmed.
Who is the new referee designator for Serie A and Serie B?
Daniele Orsato has been appointed as the designator for Italy’s top two professional tiers. The FIGC (Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio) and the AIA (Associazione Italiana Arbitri) confirmed the appointment as part of the broader organizational structure for the 2026/2027 season. Orsato takes over the position previously held by Gianluca Rocchi, as reported by Corriere della Sera and ANSA.
For readers unfamiliar with the role, the designator is the official responsible for assigning specific referees to matches and managing the development and evaluation of the officiating crews across the professional leagues.
What other changes were made to the refereeing leadership?
The FIGC announcement detailed a wider restructuring of the national refereeing roles. Beyond Orsato’s appointment to the top flight, the federation named Ayroldi and Dondarini to the leadership positions of CAN C and CAN D, respectively. These bodies oversee the officiating for the lower professional and semi-professional tiers of the Italian football pyramid.
Why this appointment matters for Italian football
Orsato enters the administrative side of the game following a career as one of Europe’s most prominent officials. His transition from the pitch to the designator’s office puts him in charge of the most scrutinized sporting officials in Italy. By replacing Rocchi, Orsato now manages the personnel responsible for the high-stakes decisions in Serie A, where VAR implementation and officiating consistency remain central points of debate among clubs and fans.
The appointment signals a shift in the AIA’s leadership strategy for the 2026/2027 cycle, placing a former elite match official at the helm of the top-tier assignments.
Summary of National Refereeing Appointments 2026/2027
| Role/Department | Appointed Official |
|---|---|
| Designator Serie A & B | Daniele Orsato |
| Head of CAN C | Ayroldi |
| Head of CAN D | Dondarini |
The FIGC will provide further updates on the full list of referees assigned to the 2026/2027 season as the calendar approaches. Follow the official FIGC portal for the complete list of officiating credentials and assignments.
Do you think Orsato’s experience on the field will translate to better consistency in Serie A officiating? Let us know in the comments.
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