The Italian Referee’s Association [AIC] have detailed a change in the way the offside rule is to be interpreted in Italy.
During their annual pre-season meeting a number of situations and outcomes were detailed by the officials.
“The term ‘play the ball’ has been clarified very well,” Nicola Rizzoli told Sky Sport Italia.
“It means the movement of the player towards the ball, to intercept it, which is different to the concept of a deflection.”
Thus, if a pass is deflected off a player on the opposing team, which results in a one of the original team in an offside position being put clear on goal, the player will be deemed offside and a freekick given.
