Max Allegri Calls For VAR reform and a change to one specific law of the game
As the dust settles on the controversial clash between Inter and Juventus, AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri has chimed in the growing debate regarding diving, refereeing standards and the current implementation of VAR in Serie A.
Allegri was speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of Milan’s rearranged fixture against Como.
The 58-year-old was asked to reflect on the events that saw Pierre Kalulu sent off following a dive by Alessandro Bastoni – a mistake for which refereeing designator Gianluca Rocchi has since apologized.
The Derby d’Italia Controversy and the Diving Debate
While Allegri was careful not to dwell too much on his former clubs, he acknowledged the frustration felt across the league.
The wrongful dismissal of Kalulu has reignited a fierce discussion about “furbizia” (cunning) versus blatant cheating in the Italian game.
“Many people have already spoken about the Derby, so it is useless for us to continue doing so,” Allegri stated via TMW.
“The most important thing is that there are competent people working to improve the objectivity of VAR.
“Those situations [like the Kalulu red card] should not be debatable.”
The Milan boss highlighted that the modern game has evolved beyond the current officiating capabilities.
“Football has become very quick; it’s not easy for the referees,” he added.
“The speed of the ball, the game, and the physicality of the players is different compared to 30 or 40 years ago.
“We need to find solutions to achieve objectivity.”
Allegri Proposes Radical Offside Rule Change
Beyond the simulation debate, Allegri used the platform to propose a specific technical change to the Laws of the Game.
The veteran tactician pointed out a logical flaw in how offsides are handled when they lead to secondary set-pieces.
“In my opinion, one thing that absolutely needs to change is when there is an offside and the action results in a corner,” Allegri argued.
“The corner shouldn’t be given at all. It’s a matter of consistency.”
Currently, if a player is in an offside position but the ball is deflected out for a corner by a defender before the whistle blows, the attacking team often benefits from a set-piece despite the initial infraction.
Allegri believes tightening these “subjective” areas is key to reducing frustration on the touchline.
The Struggle for VAR Objectivity in Serie A
When pressed further on how to eliminate diving, Allegri admitted that football remains a game of interpretation.
Despite the technology available, the “human element” continues to cause friction.
“It’s subjectivity, at the discretion of the referee,” Allegri added.
“There’s nothing we can do about that. I struggle enough to select my starting XI, let alone tell VAR what to do.
“What happened on Saturday is disappointing for everyone, but I think the most disappointed are the protagonists of the event themselves.”
As Milan prepare for their clash with Como – a game rescheduled due to the Winter Olympics opening ceremony – Allegri’s comments serve as a reminder that while technology was meant to end the debate, in Serie A, the conversation is only just beginning.
