Serie A to experiment with goal-line technology

In a surprisingly forward-thinking move, the FIGC announced this week that they intend to experiment with using goal-line technology in Italy, starting with a small-scale experiment in Serie A to test the waters.

The FIGC will be installing the technology and training referees in its use over the next few weeks, then throughout January will play matches with the system in play. While the system will be live and checked for results during those January matches, it's unlikely that it will be used for decision making during the evaluative process, as only a handful of stadium will have it in use and it hasn't been fully approved yet.

It wouldn't be surprising if Napoli were one of the teams tapped to test the system. It's likely to be installed for use at Juventus Stadium, the San Siro, the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, and likely two or three other major Italian stadiums during the testing period.

A more permanent decision will be made in February, once the testing is completed and the FIGC goes through whatever data they feel they need to from the matches that used the goal-line system. If it's brought in to effect, Italy will be the fourth major footballing body to adopt the system, after the English FA, FIFA, and UEFA all began using it in recent years.

It was under consideration for use in Germany as well, but the clubs rejected the proposal due to the cost involved. The FIGC expects it to cost Italy €4 million to install goal-line technology in Serie A stadiums. That's a hefty sum for a cash-strapped league, but from quotes in the announcement it seems as though the FIGC might be willing to pay for it out of various TV revenues instead of putting the burden on the clubs.