This morning, in the auditorium of the Coverciano Federal Technical Centre, the Azzurri listened to two UEFA-sponsored talks ahead of the upcoming European Championship.

UEFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, Roberto Rosetti, highlighted the rules and regulations that will be in force at UEFA Euro 2020, while the FIGC’s Integrity Officer, Giovanni Spitaleri, spoke to the National Team players and staff about the topic of match fixing.

“It was very productive discussion relating to refereeing guidelines with the European Championship in mind,” said Roberto Rosetti. “The players actively followed the information they were being given.”

In particular, UEFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer referred to two amendments. First, accidental handball that leads to a teammate scoring a goal or having a goalscoring opportunity will not be considered an offence. Furthermore, a goalkeeper will not be allowed to claim the ball with their hands after deliberately giving the ball to a teammate and then immediately receiving it back afterwards, including when said teammate doesn’t use their feet.

Rosetti provided a few updates and, in particular, advised against vociferous protests and ‘flailing arms’ to avoid being penalised. He also specifically mentioned the circumstances where VAR could intervene and everything that will be considered handball by referees.