VAR supervisor denies audio tampering in Inter–Roma match

Andrea Gervasoni, a former VAR supervisor who is currently suspended, was questioned for four hours by prosecutor Ascione as part of an ongoing investigation into Italian referees. The interrogation covered multiple incidents, including the disputed penalty decision in the Inter-Roma match involving Bisseck and Ndicka. Gervasoni's lawyer, Michele Ducci, argued that VAR decisions are made in 10–15 seconds, leaving no time for outside interference to influence the outcome. Gervasoni himself stated: "I rule out at 100% that the audio from Inter-Roma was tampered with." The Inter-Roma penalty incident became one of the most debated refereeing decisions of the past season. The questioning of Gervasoni is part of a broader investigation that also involves Gianluca Rocchi, though Rocchi did not attend his scheduled interrogation. The case extends beyond the Inter-Roma matter to include the Salernitana-Modena match as well. Gervasoni's categorical denial of audio tampering in the Inter-Roma case comes amid ongoing scrutiny of VAR decision-making in Italian football. His legal team's assertion that the speed of VAR decisions makes manipulation practically impossible forms the central defence against any allegations of interference in the controversial penalty call.

AS Roma is conducting a search for a new director of sports to replace Ricky Massara, who is expected to leave following the departure of former manager Claudio Ranieri. The club has identified several candidates for the role, including Gianluca Nani, the director of sports at Udinese since summer 2024. Nani, who was born in Rome, has been credited with significantly improving Udinese's performance in less than two years through his transfer market decisions. The search is taking place as Roma prepares for the future under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who requires a director of sports to operate according to his strategic vision. Other candidates in consideration include Giuntoli, D'Amico, Manna, and Sogliano. Among these options, Tony D'Amico is reportedly Gasperini's preferred choice, though securing him would present a significant challenge given his position at Atalanta and his existing contract with the club. Roma would need to negotiate to bring him to the Stadio Olimpico ahead of his contract expiration. The appointment of a new director of sports represents an important step in Roma's organizational restructuring as the club moves forward with its management and transfer strategy under Gasperini's leadership.

Andrea Stramaccioni, a pundit for DAZN and RAI, weighed in on Roma's recent struggles during an appearance on TeleRadioStereo's Te la do io Tokyo programme. Stramaccioni argued that while former manager Claudio Ranieri made tactical errors, the primary responsibility lies with the club's leadership for their absent governance. The comments reflect broader criticism of decision-making at Roma following a period of managerial instability and poor results on the pitch.