Orsato backs Di Bello over De Bruyne goal controversy in Genoa-Napoli
Quick summary
Italian refereeing chief Orsato has publicly supported referee Di Bello following the controversy over Kevin De Bruyne's goal in the Genoa-Napoli Serie A match.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceDaniele Orsato has backed Marco Di Bello over the goal that settled Genoa-Napoli, with Italy’s refereeing leadership maintaining that no error was made in allowing Kevin De Bruyne’s strike to stand.
According to Corriere dello Sport , Orsato had already formed that view inside the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Saturday evening, and when challenged as he left the ground he responded: “Why, what happened?”
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images) Orsato sets thresholds in first season as Serie A designator The stance follows instructions Orsato gave officials at the summer gathering in Cascia, a deliberately high, almost permissive threshold for fouls and VAR interventions kept to a minimum, mirroring UEFA’s approach. Refereeing chiefs reiterated on Sunday morning that a whistle would not have been an error either.
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Johan Vasquez of Genoa is challenged by Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images) Not everyone agrees, including some within CAN itself. Corriere notes that De Bruyne’s right arm did make contact with Johan Vasquez, and argues that with the roles reversed the incident would look closer to a penalty than a let-play.
Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi was scathing afterwards , calling it “one of the ugliest things I have suffered since I’ve been in football.”
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What happened
Italian refereeing authorities, led by senior official Daniele Orsato, have backed referee Marco Di Bello following the controversial De Bruyne goal incident in the Genoa-Napoli Serie A fixture. The decision has sparked debate in Italian football circles, with Genoa reportedly disputing the call. Orsato's public support signals the refereeing committee's stance on the matter, reinforcing Di Bello's call as correct under the laws of the game.
Chance analysis
Italy's refereeing hierarchy has closed ranks around Marco Di Bello after Kevin De Bruyne's goal for Napoli against Genoa became the center of a fresh Serie A officiating row. With Daniele Orsato — the country's most decorated active official — publicly backing the on-field decision, the AIA has effectively told clubs and pundits that the call stood, closing off one avenue of protest for Genoa. The episode underlines how thinly officiating decisions are still being scrutinized at the top of Italian football, and how the federation prefers to manage controversy through institutional backing rather than public review.
No change to the Genoa-Napoli result expected; the refereeing committee has publicly closed the dispute in Napoli's favor.