Domenico Rocca is in the spotlight. In recent hours, the name of the former assistant referee has become widely known in connection with the investigation into the head of Italian referees, Gianluca Rocchi, for alleged complicity in sports fraud. The investigation by the Milan Prosecutor's Office is said to have stemmed from a complaint that Rocca sent about a year ago to the National Refereeing Commission, reporting serious irregularities in Rocchi's management.
A detailed letter containing numerous accusations and episodes was sent after, at the end of last season, Rocca's name appeared on the list of 14 assistants dismissed without any specific explanation from refereeing officials. After the Italian prosecutor's office officially announced the investigation, Rocca reacted publicly with a post: "Whoever wounds with the sword will die by the sword," was the comment posted on social media, a strong blow after Rocchi was placed on the list of suspects.
Rocca officiated 14 matches last season: one in Serie A and 13 in Serie B. This is a point the former Calabrian assistant emphasized in his lengthy letter, accusing the commission of altering evaluations, appointments, and rankings, thereby compromising fairness and meritocracy.
Who is Domenico Rocca? Born in Calabria in 1985, Domenico Rocca, from the AIA section of Catanzaro, began his career as a referee at the age of 15. After advancing through regional and interregional categories, he was a member of CAN D and then CAN Pro, before starting a career as an assistant referee, which led him to officiate in both Serie A and Serie B. On February 12, 2017, he made his debut in the top league as an assistant referee in a Torino-Pescara match. His career ended last season when, along with 13 other colleagues, he was dismissed without any further explanation.