Big drop in Serie A spot-kicks

Many thought the introduction of VAR would increase the number of penalties awarded in Serie A, but instead there have been 25 fewer than last season.

Although the technology was already in effect in the 2017-18 campaign, it has been honed by officials and made more efficient.

Opta statistics show that after 17 rounds last season, 70 penalties had been given in Serie A.

At the same stage of the 2018-19 campaign, there have only been 45 spot-kicks awarded, a drop of 25.

Many thought the introduction of VAR would increase the number of penalties awarded in Serie A, but instead there have been 25 fewer than last season.

Although the technology was already in effect in the 2017-18 campaign, it has been honed by officials and made more efficient.

Opta statistics show that after 17 rounds last season, 70 penalties had been given in Serie A.

At the same stage of the 2018-19 campaign, there have only been 45 spot-kicks awarded, a drop of 25.