Referee scandal at Inter Milan? The truth behind Doveri and Colombo revealed

Corriere dello Sport explains the controversial designations

According to Corriere dello Sport via Fcinter1908, the debate around the referee appointments involving Gianluca Rocchi has a much more technical explanation than the allegations circulating in recent weeks.

The accusations suggested a possible preference system involving referees supposedly “liked” or “unliked” by Inter Milan, particularly focusing on Daniele Doveri and Andrea Colombo.

However, the newspaper argues that the reality is far less sensational and more grounded in performance-based evaluation.

Rankings, performance, and no evidence of favoritism

Looking at last season’s final referee rankings, Doveri actually finished at the very top of the list, ahead of all other officials. 

Colombo also placed within the top five. These standings, the article stresses, already undermine the idea of arbitrary or biased selections.

Even the match assignments appear consistent with merit-based logic. Doveri was repeatedly appointed for high-stakes fixtures such as Bologna-Juventus, Parma-Napoli, and Empoli-Verona, all matches with European qualification or relegation implications. He also served as VAR in Verona-Lecce.

Colombo, meanwhile, officiated crucial games like Empoli-Lazio and Venezia-Juventus, again confirming trust in his performance level.

The Inter Milan narrative under scrutiny

The supposed turning point in the investigation relates to an alleged conversation on April 2, the day of AC Milan-Inter Milan, officiated by Fabbri, with Rocchi reportedly present in the stands. 

From there, it was claimed that designations shifted away from Doveri in favor of Colombo.

Yet the facts challenge this version. Just days later, Doveri was assigned to Parma-Inter Milan and later to Inter Milan- AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semifinal, hardly consistent with the idea of him being “unwelcome.”

Similarly, Colombo only officiated Inter Milan once during that period, in a match against Bologna, which Inter Milan lost 1-0.

Ultimately, the article concludes that refereeing choices are based on evaluation and match management needs, not on external influence or hidden lists. 

The system, it argues, is about protecting referees and ensuring they are placed in the best conditions to perform.