Italian referee Daniele Doveri shares insights from the transformative incident involving Edoardo Bove, discusses the role of VAR, the evolving relationship with players, and the critical importance of protecting officials from aggression on the field.
“I’ve never rooted for a football team,” Daniele Doveri begins, taking a brief pause. “But since that day, I root for one player: Edo.” Doveri is seated in the serene garden of the hotel where the CAN A and B (Italian Referees’ Association for Serie A and B) gathers. The “Edo” he refers to is Edoardo Bove. The incident involving Doveri and Bove on December 1st was a pivotal moment that profoundly shifted emotions and perspectives on what truly matters. For both Bove and Doveri, the experienced referee and president of the Rome-1 section, that day took on an entirely new meaning.
How much has your perception of everything changed since that December 1st?
“Throughout my youth, I never harbored allegiance to any particular team. I never became attached to one club or another. When I played, I aspired to be like a Baggio, one of those exceptional players. But genuinely, since that specific day, I will support Edo in whatever path he chooses in life, absolutely anything. I only hope to see him back on the pitch, wearing his football boots… That single day completely reshaped how I evaluate countless aspects of life.”
Were you able to sleep that night?
“No, I wasn’t. I was certain that everything possible had been done correctly on the field. I kept replaying the moments, second by second. What truly surprised me was people’s astonishment at my emotional reaction. Sometimes, referees are perceived as almost alien beings, and people are surprised that we, too, can be moved.”
Riccardo Orsolini once said: ‘We are normal people in a world that seems not so normal.’
“And that sentiment resonates with us referees as well. We are not aliens; we are human beings. That particular evening taught me to approach situations differently. Incidentally, when the incident occurred, we were awaiting a VAR decision. I couldn’t help but contrast the two situations—though obviously incomparable—to illustrate a point: sometimes, people become angry over a VAR call… Giving events and priorities their proper value is the path forward. We need to live with greater serenity.”
Have you and Edoardo kept in touch since?
“No, not directly, but I’ve always made sure to inquire about him indirectly. Then, one day, we met again in the tunnel leading to the field: we didn’t exchange a single word. There was just a profound sense of emotion, a human connection; we simply embraced in silence.”
When in your career have you struggled to find serenity?
“When I was slapped in Eccellenza, an amateur league. In local fields, sportsmanship should prevail. Instead, sometimes the pitch feels like a lawless zone, a place for people to vent, as if one must display their worst self there. I once witnessed a seventy-year-old masseur attack a fifteen-year-old: all over a corner kick. He threw a water bottle at his chest, causing days of recovery. I am convinced that…”
You believe the legislative process equating referees to public officials is the correct one.
“Absolutely, and for this, I extend my gratitude to everyone who championed this cause, from Zappi to all involved parties. It represents a significant stride in civility, safeguarding young individuals who aspire to pursue the profession I do. Reverting to my earlier point: I am convinced that the gentleman who assaulted the referee is, outside of that pitch, a wonderful grandfather who dotes on his grandchildren. So why do such incidents occur on a football field? It’s something that simply needs to stop.”
You also experienced another challenging incident: the Salernitana-Sampdoria match, which was suspended due to public order issues.
“That left me with a deep sense of disappointment: sport didn’t prevail that evening. We all felt somewhat defeated, having to abandon the match with 20 minutes left to play.”
Let`s shift gears: is VAR a guardian angel?
“Absolutely, yes. Because it allows all of us to go home with a greater sense of peace. What truly matters is knowing, at the end of the game, that the final result accurately reflects what transpired and the decisions made on the field. And VAR has been immensely helpful in achieving that.”
Speaking of VAR: how do you feel about the VAR announcement feature?
“The greatest curiosity will be to observe its impact on the public: will it bring reassurance, or will it not?”
How can the relationship between players/coaches and referees be improved?
“It has already shown improvement. We’re talking about trust: I trust your judgment, and you accept the decision I make. From my perspective, I believe I’ve improved in how I present myself, and they’ve improved in their trust. Did I used to issue a lot of yellow cards? Experience helps. Last year, I concluded the season with an average of two yellows per game…”
Between effective playing time, Challenge (VAR on demand, if and when it happens), and bodycams: which one would you choose?
“Effective playing time intrigues me; bodycams less so. Effective playing time is a topic that also addresses the goalkeeper’s 8 seconds rule: time should be utilized for playing football.”
How much football did you play yourself?
“A bit… I wanted to be a number 10, but they assigned me to left-back because I’m left-footed. And because I ran like a train.”
