A significant change is on the horizon for the next Serie A season: the role of ball boys will undergo a major transformation. Starting next season, ball boys will no longer deliver balls directly to players. Instead, they will retrieve the balls and place them in designated containers along the sidelines, close to the advertising boards. Players will now be responsible for resuming play themselves. This adjustment aims to combat time-wasting tactics, which have often been strategically used during intense moments of matches. According to designer Rocchi, this move is intended to completely eliminate any deliberate delays during games.
The Serie A is adopting a system already used in the Premier League, introducing “cones” around the field to ensure better distribution of the balls. Six balls will be positioned near the benches, and another five will be placed on the opposite side, at least 2.5 meters from the sidelines. This system is designed to prevent home ball boys from intentionally delaying the game to disadvantage the visiting team, especially during critical injury time. While this approach is new for the Serie A regular season, it has already been successfully implemented in Italy, notably during the Italian Cup final between Juventus and Atalanta.
In addition to the changes regarding ball boys, the new Serie A season will feature other significant regulatory updates. Referees will enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy for violent conduct and racist behavior, with an expected increase in yellow and red cards. Only team captains will be permitted to communicate with referees, with other players facing possible disciplinary action for interference. Referees will also see changes in their roles: the assistant match director will be present on the pitch throughout training sessions, and the fourth official will join when the teams enter. Lastly, a traditional practice will be discontinued as children will no longer accompany players onto the field in team jerseys.