The Italian ‘Negreira case’ shaking Serie A continues to generate new developments, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport regarding the situation involving Gianluca Rocchi, the official responsible for referee appointments in the Italian top flight.
Let’s start with the confirmed facts. Five individuals are currently under investigation by the Milan prosecutor’s office in connection with the refereeing case: four for alleged sports fraud and one for providing false information to the prosecutor. The first group includes Gianluca Rocchi (head of referee appointments), Paolo Gervasoni (VAR manager), and Luigi Nasca alongside Rodolfo Di Vuolo (VAR team members). The second group consists solely of Daniele Paterna. However, it is not ruled out that more names may be added, possibly even from outside the refereeing world. This is the current situation.
One of the matches under scrutiny is the Coppa Italia derby played at San Siro on April 2, 2025, between Inter and AC Milan. According to the prosecutor’s office, Rocchi allegedly “altered” or “concealed” the appointment of referee Daniele Doveri for that semifinal, with the aim of securing more favorable officiating for Inter in a potential Coppa Italia final and in other Serie A matches.
The investigation raises several questions, particularly about whom Rocchi spoke with at San Siro and the content of those conversations, as unidentified individuals are mentioned. It is likely that further progress in the inquiry will clarify these uncertainties and answer the open questions. For now, it can be assumed that, with the investigation already underway, Rocchi may have held discussions at San Siro with another referee or someone connected to the refereeing world, attempting to influence a decision—including the possibility that he went down to the dressing room. The next steps will be crucial in shedding light on what happened and clarifying the facts.
Perhaps starting Thursday, the 30th—when Rocchi and Gervasoni were summoned to testify—other implicated individuals will follow. It cannot be ruled out that new developments could change the course of the case.