Fabio Capello praises ‘positive changes’ in Serie A refereeing

Fabio Capello says he has been encouraged by what he sees as positive changes in refereeing at the start of the new Serie A season.

The former Milan manager believes the standard and approach of officiating in Italy’s top-flight competition have improved, describing the new campaign as one marked by a different refereeing landscape.

Capello’s assessment focuses specifically on the work of the officials. While no further details of the changes were provided, his overall view is clearly favourable. The former coach has welcomed the way refereeing has developed as Serie A begins a new season.

His comments offer a positive assessment of the competition’s match officials at a time when refereeing remains an important part of the discussion around football. Capello’s message is that the opening stages of the campaign have brought a noticeable change, and that change has been to his liking.

The former Milan boss is well known in Italian football, having previously managed the club. His experience of the domestic game gives context to his comments on Serie A refereeing, although the report does not identify particular matches, officials or decisions behind his opinion.

Capello has also worked outside club football. Alongside his spell in charge of Milan, he previously managed the Russia national team. His coaching career therefore includes experience with both a major Italian club and an international side, but his latest remarks are centred on refereeing in Serie A.

The comments are limited to his positive view of the changes. Capello does not provide a detailed explanation of what has altered, nor does he compare individual refereeing performances. Instead, his conclusion is straightforward: the new season has brought a form of officiating that he prefers.

Serie A’s current campaign is therefore being seen by Capello through the lens of its refereeing. His response is favourable, with the former Milan manager noting that the new approach represents a positive development.

No additional information was given about how the changes were introduced or whether they relate to a particular refereeing policy. The report simply records Capello’s approval of the direction taken at the beginning of the season.

For Capello, the contrast is clear between the start of the present campaign and the refereeing he had seen previously. His remarks suggest that he considers the difference significant enough to mention, even though the exact nature of the improvement is not specified.

The former manager’s comments keep the focus on the officials rather than on a club, player or individual match. They also provide a concise appraisal of the opening phase of the season: in Capello’s view, Serie A refereeing has changed, and the change has been a positive one.