Lega Serie A president Lorenzo Casini commented on the Juventus–Salernitana controversy, the introduction of semi-automated offsides, the Super League project and San Siro demolition.
Referees have often been the point of discussion in Serie A in recent years but things began to boil over after the drama in the final minutes of Juventus’ 2-2 draw with Salernitana earlier this month, when their winner was ruled offside despite images seemingly showing that Antonio Candreva played Leonardo Bonucci onside.
Speaking to Radio Rai, Casini first commented on the Juventus-Salernitana controversy and the usage of a semi-automated offside system.
“We want to avoid controversy on game incidents, we’re working to introduce semi-automated offsides as soon as possible. We know perfectly well that it is not the solution to all problems and that it cannot correct human incidents, but since we are ready we can introduce this improvement.
“Anything towards an improvement is welcome. The impact of technology in football is crucial, but the positive effect is to eliminate the culture of suspicion as much as possible.”
The Lega Serie A president then commented on the financial health of Italian clubs following the COVID pandemic.
“The impact of the pandemic cannot be forgotten. The situation was already critical before. Immediate interventions are needed, with stakes to be placed on the teams, with limits on the overall salaries of the teams.
“The fiscal issue is now the most urgent, we must find instalment formulas for the teams to pay their contributions and not have a devastating impact on the budgets.
“An entry of funds into the League? It’s not a shelved project. The problem with that operation is that we started with the instrument first compared to the objective, and this has created snags. The League will look at possible investors, there are no closed doors.”
He gave his thoughts on the European Super League project.
“It must be analysed well. The timing and methods were not agreeable, but the reasons that led the teams to propose it must be examined carefully.
“Behind the Super League there is also the desire to reschedule matches abroad. As Serie A, no project that leads to damaging the national league can be endorsed.”
Finally, Casini discussed the decision to demolish the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, home of Inter and Milan. The two clubs are working towards building their own stadium, designed by Populous.
“Stadiums, beyond their historical value, are infrastructures that must respect certain standards. If the choice made led to the choice of demolition, I don’t see why I wouldn’t be in favour, as long as Milan and Inter have a stadium that is up to standards.”