Juventus chief Elkann calls to protest at serious refereeing errors

John Elkann, the President of Juventus owners Exor and heir to the Agnelli empire, personally called FIGC chief Gabriele Gravina to complain about ‘repeated refereeing errors.’

This is the latest stage in the angry protests that followed last night’s controversial 3-2 defeat to Inter, a game where Juve were down to 10 men for the entire second half.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

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Refereeing designator Gianluca Rocchi already apologised publicly and confirmed sending off Pierre Kalulu was the incorrect decision, as Alessandro Bastoni simulated contact, but as it was a second yellow card offence, VAR could not intervene.

Juventus urge ‘solutions to guarantee integrity’

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus reacts as he walks off after being sent off by Referee Federico La Penna (not pictured) for a second yellow card offence during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

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As Luciano Spalletti and players did not speak to the media last night, Juventus sent directors Giorgio Chiellini and Damien Comolli to give post-match interviews instead.

According to news agency ANSA, today the man at the very top of the Bianconeri pyramid got involved, as Elkann called Federation President Gravina to personally complain.

It is reported he “expressed grave dissatisfaction for the repeated and numerous refereeing errors, urging the authorities to find efficient solutions to improve the overall football system, and guarantee the integrity and credibility of Italian football.”

SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Damien Comolli, General Manager of Juventus looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

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In their complaints, Juventus have pointed out that this is only the latest in a long line of obvious errors that left clubs including Roma, Genoa, Lazio and Napoli furious.

It is the widespread nature of the anger with referees that is creating a sense of momentum behind calls for change, and Rocchi may well be the first to go.

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