The President of the Italian Referees’ Association reveals what went wrong with goal-line technology in Torino’s opening goal against Milan. ‘It’s the first time it happened.’
There was already some confusion and controversy in the opening weekend of the 2024-25 Serie A season.
Raoul Bellanova’s header bounced off the inside of the far post and Malick Thiaw got into a tangle trying to clear it off the line.
As everyone turned towards the referee to see if the goal-line technology had been activated, he waved play on, only to stop a few moments later and confirm it was a goal.
Naturally, questions were asked, and they were answered by AIA President Carlo Pacifici.
“There was a technical problem with the goal-line technology, it’s the first time it happened,” he told news agency ANSA.
“The system did show that the ball had crossed the line, but the signal did not reach the watch or the earpiece of the referee.”
Goal-line technology failed in Milan-Torino
If the goal-line technology itself failed rather than just did not send the signal to the officials, then that would be a bigger problem to work around.
With no signal, the VAR officials very quickly managed to double check the position of the ball and alert referee Maresca.
“Following procedure, the VAR colleagues used the same system that is applied to offside, with the apposite demarcation lines, and the result was perfect.
“Fortunately, we have two different technological systems to rely on.”
Torino took a 2-0 lead at San Siro, but Milan fought back in stoppages for the 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Alvaro Morata and Noah Okafor.