Giovanni Ayroldi, in his fifth season in the National Referees Commission (CAN) and chosen for the Serie B big match between Catanzaro and Venice, boasts significant experience with a total of 220 direct matches. During his career he had administered 951 yellow cards, 30 double yellow cards, 19 direct expulsions and conceded 77 penalties, but yesterday at Ceravolo he was absolute negative protagonist.
Ayroldi’s precedents with Catanzaro and Venice
Ayroldi had already met Catanzaro on two previous occasions, both with not particularly happy outcomes for the Giallorossi. The first meeting dates back to 13 February 2019, in the Serie C group C match against Juve Stabia, which ended in a goalless draw at the “Menti”, when Giannone sensationally missed a penalty. The second occurred more recently, on 20 January 2024, where Catanzaro suffered a 3–0 defeat away to Feralpisalò. Seven previous matches against Venezia with 2 wins, 2 defeats and 3 draws.
The referee cautioned three players and sent off one
Assisted by assistants Baccini and Barone with Vogliacco IV man, Paterna at Var and Di Vuolo at Avar the referee warned three players: 1st st Sounas (C), 3rd st and 13th st Sverko (V). Sverko (V) was sent off in the 13th minute for a second yellow card. Recovery time: 2′ pt; 3rd st
Catanzaro-Venice, slow motion cases
These are the dubious episodes. The first half is very long, it “lasts” almost an hour. It rains heavily, the ball bounces with difficulty and Ayroldi’s decision arrives: match suspended. It continues to rain and the ball no longer moves. Can’t play. Everyone in the locker room, waiting for a final decision: either postponement or return to the pitch. After about half an hour, the decision: we start again at 4.15 pm. Immediately a doubtful episode: Pierini breaks through on the right, ball in the middle for Busio who clears the ball, it becomes an assist for Bjarkason who scores, the feeling is that he is beyond the last defender but the flag doesn’t go up. However, VAR recognized the position as irregular and the goal was disallowed. At 57′ second yellow for Sverko: the lagoon players remain with 10 men.
In the 79th minute Donnarumma finishes for Antonini who doesn’t hit well, Iemmello arrives on the path and scores but there is a clear offside. Even though everything seems very clear, he prefers to wait for the VAR check. However, even worse happens in the final of Catanzaro-Venezia, in the 93rd minute Mr Ayroldi points to the spot due to a fall in the area by Donnarumma, who does not appear to have been fouled by Idzes. However, VAR does not intervene. Iemmello hits but Joronen saves him, the referee however makes a reply for invasion of Jajalo. On the second attempt the Giallorossi striker made no mistake and Ayroldi blew the whistle to end the match amid controversy.
