Verona vs. Juventus referee expected to be dropped to Serie B

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Sep 21, 2025 4:58 AM ET

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that AIA chiefs are unhappy with Antonio Rapuano’s officiating in Verona-Juventus, so the 40-year-old referee could be dropped to Serie B for the next games.

The Italian Association of Referees (AIA) could drop Rapuano to Serie B for the next few games after unconvincing officiating in Verona-Juventus on Saturday.

The Rimini-born referee was strongly criticised by the Old Lady’s boss, Igor Tudor, especially for two incidents.

Why referee infuriated Juventus coach Tudor

Tudor questioned Rapuano’s decision to award Verona a penalty kick for a Joao Mario handball at the end of the first half and felt the Gialloblu striker Gift Orban should have been sent off for elbowing Federico Gatti, also before the break.

Rapuano likely dropped to Serie B

Gazzetta argues that VAR should have signalled Orban’s violent conduct, given that Rapuano only gave the Verona striker a yellow card.

The 40-year-old referee, however, is expected to pay the higher price and be punished for his poor officiating at the Bentegodi, as he’ll likely be dropped to Serie B for the coming weeks.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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