In a developing story that's sending ripples through Italian football, Inter Milan's referee manager Giorgio Schenone has found himself at the center of an ongoing investigation—though not as a suspect, but as a key witness. This latest twist in the saga adds another layer of intrigue to what has already been a turbulent season for Serie A officiating.
On Friday, Schenone was questioned by Milan Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione as part of a probe into alleged sports fraud. The investigation currently involves five individuals, none of whom are affiliated with Serie A or Serie B clubs. However, the implications could be far-reaching, especially given the high-profile names involved.
Among those under scrutiny is former referee designator Gianluca Rocchi, who is suspected of influencing VAR decisions and manipulating referee appointments. The allegations stem from wiretapped conversations from April 2025, where Rocchi is heard telling VAR Supervisor Andrea Gervasoni—also under investigation—that certain referees were no longer wanted for specific matches. Crucially, during that same wiretap, Rocchi and Gervasoni mention "Giorgio," which investigators believe refers to Inter's Schenone.
According to reports from Corriere della Sera, Schenone was not questioned about a controversial meeting at San Siro on April 2, 2025. During that meeting, Rocchi is suspected of selecting referees favored by Inter for crucial upcoming fixtures: a Serie A clash against Bologna and the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal against Milan. Investigators are now trying to determine whether Schenone acted as a conduit, relaying Inter's referee preferences to Rocchi.
The selection of Daniele Doveri for the Coppa Italia semifinal second leg has also raised eyebrows. The theory is that Doveri was assigned to shield him for the Final—a match Inter ultimately failed to reach. Schenone, however, has pushed back against these suggestions, maintaining that his dealings with Rocchi were strictly professional. He pointed out that during the 2024-25 season, Inter had Dover as referee six times—essentially the maximum possible in the competition.
It's important to note that neither Schenone nor any other Inter official is currently under investigation. The Nerazzurri's referee manager has been heard solely as a witness. The probe continues, with further interrogations expected early next week.
For now, the football world watches closely as this story unfolds. Whether it leads to concrete charges or fizzles out, it's a stark reminder of how critical—and sometimes contentious—refereeing decisions can be in shaping the beautiful game.