Born: 22 November 1985
Hometown: Palermo, Sicily
Debut as referee: 2001
Serie A – debut: 6 January 2015 (at the age of 29 years, 1 month and 15 days old)
FIFA rankning: –
Information:
Rosario Abisso is an Italian football referee who officiates in Serie A, Italy’s top football division, and has also worked in Serie B. Born on March 12, 1985, in Palermo, Sicily, Abisso is a member of the Italian Referees Association (AIA) and has gained experience officiating at the highest level of Italian football.
Abisso began his career in the lower leagues, gradually working his way up through the ranks of Italian football officiating. He made his Serie A debut in 2015 and has since refereed numerous important matches in both Serie A and Serie B. Known for his authoritative style, Abisso has been involved in several high-profile matches, where he’s had to manage high-pressure situations involving top teams and passionate fanbases.
Over the years, Abisso has earned a mixed reputation. While he has been praised for his decisiveness in certain matches, he has also faced criticism for some controversial decisions. One of the most notable incidents involved a highly scrutinized penalty decision in a 2019 match between Fiorentina and Inter Milan, which led to widespread debate in the media and among fans.
Like most modern referees, Abisso is also trained in the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, which has become a crucial tool in Italian football. His work with VAR has helped him navigate difficult decisions, though it has also placed him under additional scrutiny when decisions are reviewed.
Despite the occasional controversies, Abisso continues to referee at the top level, participating in Serie A, Serie B, and Coppa Italia matches. As with other Italian referees, he undergoes regular training and assessments to keep up with the evolving demands of football officiating. His experience in both the domestic leagues and in high-stakes matches ensures that he remains an important part of Italy’s refereeing roster.