Former Italian international goalkeeper Pagliuca recently voiced strong criticism of the current implementation of VAR in an interview with Corriere dello Sport, arguing that the technology has instead led to greater confusion and controversy.
Pagliuca had firsthand experience of the 'Calciopoli' scandal and was well aware that systemic issues existed during that period. However, following the match between Fiorentina and Bologna, he did not believe there was any conspiracy behind the referee's decisions. He pointed out that referee's penalty decisions during the game were clearly unfair: "Fiorentina were awarded two penalties, while Bologna were denied one they deserved. I oppose all these penalties awarded for the slightest contact and wonder what football has become. VAR was intended to assist referees and make decisions fairer, but the result has been the opposite – more controversy than before."
He further stated that the scope of VAR usage should be restricted, lest it only cause greater confusion: "If VAR is to be used in this manner, it would be better to abolish it altogether or reserve it for truly significant situations. It's tiresome seeing so many players dive at the slightest contact to win penalties. If Bernardeschi's handball was a penalty, why wasn't Dodo's? In my understanding of football, neither should have been penalties, but if the rules are that way, they should be applied consistently."
Regarding conspiracy theories suggesting bias against Bologna, Pagliuca dismissed them: "I don't believe there's any premeditated scheme behind this. There are simply too many errors, and VAR has only amplified them. There's no conspiracy, I can assure you. Twenty years ago, I lived through 'Calciopoli' – that was genuine manipulation. The current situation is entirely different. I can only smile wryly, but back then it was a completely different matter."