Serie A's penalty drought ends as VAR On-Field Review steps in

The 2026/27 Serie A campaign went 31 matches without a single penalty or a VAR On‑Field Review, a record highlighted by the Italian Referees Association. The drought finally broke in the 32nd round when the first penalty was awarded via the inaugural On‑Field Review, and a spot‑kick was scored two games later.

The AIA warned that the season would start under new guidelines after years of criticism over excessive stoppages, weak penalties and red cards. Its new protocol aims to curb controversial decisions and speed up play.

VAR has been embraced more thoroughly in Italian football than elsewhere, yet many argue that too many incidents are examined in slow‑motion replays, ignoring the speed and intensity of the match context.

New refereeing guidelines take effect

During the first 31 matches of the campaign, not a single penalty was awarded and no VAR On‑Field Review was recommended, underscoring the impact of the Association’s new standards. The league therefore set a historic low for disruptive interventions.

The first penalty came in the 32nd fixture, when a handball in Genoa’s 1‑1 draw with Frosinone was deemed not clear‑and‑obvious, yet the referee awarded a spot‑kick. Lorenzo Colombo stepped up but side‑footed the effort wide of the target.

Two games later, the 34th match produced the season’s first converted penalty. Daniel Maldini, on loan at Cagliari, scored against his parent club Atalanta after Sead Kolasinac’s arm was spotted flailing above his head in real time.

First penalties break the drought

On 22 AUGUST, Referee Livio Marinelli oversaw the Serie A clash between FC Internazionale and AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, ITALY, providing a vivid example of the new officiating approach.

Later, on 12 September, Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio contested the ball with Ruben Loftus‑Cheek of AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico, illustrating how the season’s intensity continues despite tighter referee scrutiny.

By contrast, LaLiga recorded 13 penalties in its opening 30 matches, Ligue 1 nine, the Premier League five and the Bundesliga just one, highlighting Serie A’s stark deviation from its European peers.

Some observers worry the AIA may have over‑corrected, fearing that the scarcity of penalties could affect the competitive balance as the season progresses.