Serie A is changing: all the new rules you need to know before the start.

Serie A is preparing to return to the spotlight. With the summer of international football behind us, the Italian league is ready to restart with the hunt for the Scudetto and a series of regulatory changes destined to change some of the dynamics commonly seen on the pitch.

The changes, introduced based on new IFAB guidelines, primarily concern the management of time-wasting, substitutions, goalkeeper behavior, and certain match situations. The scope of VAR interventions has also changed.

Stop wasting time: 10 seconds to leave the field

One of the main novelties concerns substitutions.
When the referee authorizes the substitution and indicates the numbers of the two players involved on the light board, the replaced player will have 10 seconds to leave the pitch.
It will no longer be possible to slowly cross the pitch to gain precious seconds: the player will have to exit from the point on the perimeter closest to his position.

Failure to comply with the time limit, barring justified reasons such as injury, will result in a penalty for the team. The substitute player must wait at least one minute after play resumes and a subsequent interruption before being allowed to enter the game.

Goalkeepers, the time limit drops to 8 seconds

The way goalkeepers manage ball possession also changes.
The maximum time the goalkeeper can hold the ball in his hands is eight seconds. During the final five seconds, the referee will make a visible count by raising his hand, making it immediately clear to the players and spectators how much time remains.

The penalty is one of the most significant changes: if the goalkeeper exceeds the line, an indirect free kick in the penalty area will no longer be awarded. The opposing team will instead be awarded a corner kick.

Even remittances and postponements end up under observation

The new approach to time management will also include throw-ins and goal kicks.

Even in these circumstances, the referee may visually count the final five seconds. In the event of an intentional delay, the team will forfeit the right to restart play.
For a throw-in, possession will pass to the opposing team. For a goal kick, however, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

Injuries and simulations: those who leave must wait

Another measure aims to discourage time-wasting requests for medical intervention.
Any player who requests medical staff to enter the pitch must remain off the pitch for at least one minute before being allowed back in.
The provision will not apply when the injury was caused by a foul sanctioned by the referee with a yellow or red card against the opponent.

VAR, the scope of interventions is expanding

There are also important innovations in technology.
VAR will be able to intervene in certain situations that were previously outside its scope. Among these is the ability to overturn a red card resulting from a second, clearly incorrect, yellow card.

The technology will also be able to intervene in the event of an error in awarding a corner kick, through an extremely rapid silent check. However, the check must occur before the corner is taken, to avoid interruptions and consequences for the play.

Cards: VAR Can Correct a Player's Identity

The video room will also be able to carry out a check when the referee cautions the wrong player.

The goal is to prevent a yellow card from being awarded to a player who didn't commit the offense. Such a mistake can have significant consequences, especially if a player receives a warning or a second yellow card in the same match.

Penalties: Double-touch management changes

News from the penalty spot too.
In the event of an accidental or illegal double touch by the penalty taker when taking the shot, the consequences will vary based on the outcome of the shot.

If the ball ends up in the net, the goal will not be automatically disallowed: the penalty kick will have to be retaken.

If the shot does not go in, play is restarted with an indirect free kick for the defending team or through the application of the advantage rule, where applicable.

No red card in Serie A for covering your mouth while speaking

Finally, a clarification intended to avoid misunderstandings.
The provision that in some international competitions has led to players being sent off for speaking while covering their mouths with one hand will not be applied in Serie A.
One less novelty, therefore, for the Italian championship, which is nevertheless preparing for a season marked by several regulatory changes. The stated goal is clear: less time wasting, greater fluidity, and more spectacular football.