Prosecutors in Milan have requested that a sports fraud case against Gianluca Rocchi, the man in charge of assigning referees in Italy’s top flight, be dismissed.
The former international referee suspended himself in April after being placed under investigation for “complicity in sporting fraud” during the 2024-25 season.
Rocchi, the National Referees Commission’s referee designator for Serie A and Serie B, has always protested his innocence.
According to Italian news agency Ansa,, external prosecutors concluded after a two-year inquiry that there was no evidence of match-fixing, saying they did not “identify a structured system aimed at interfering with appointments”.
It was claimed that Rocchi was behind the selection of a referee for an Inter Milan game as he was “liked by Inter”.
A video assistant referee decision not to intervene when an Inter player elbowed an opponent in another game was also under scrutiny.
The simultaneous case against Inter has been dropped as well.
Rocchi was also accused of pressuring a VAR official to encourage a referee to check on the pitchside monitor for a handball offence during Udinese’s 1-0 win over Parma in March last year.
The referee and VAR official had already decided not to award a penalty but changed their minds, it is claimed, leading to Florian Thauvin scoring the only goal of the game.
Prosecutors have now forwarded the case documents to the sports justice authorities and the Italian Olympic Committee’s General Prosecutor’s Office to assess whether any disciplinary breaches within a sporting context may have occurred.
Sporting fraud is a criminal offence in Italy and carries a maximum sentence of six years in prison.
THIS summer, six cities across the UK will be hosting a major sporting tournament – and each one makes for a great weekend break.
This summer, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will take place from June 12 to July 5 across Manchester, Birmingham, London, Leeds, Southampton and Bristol.
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The cricket ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will take place in six cities across the UK this yearCredit: Getty
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With the cricket being played in these cities, it is the perfect excuse to book a UK staycation city break and enjoy everything else each city has to offer.
Whilst fans of fast bowling, wearing white and tea breaks will delight in the cricketing drama, there are plenty of other opportunities to relish during a summer city break in England.
Birmingham
Outside of the sporting event, Birmingham has a lot to offer – with everything from Peaky Blinders sets, the Balti curry and a jewellery quarter, according to Visit England.
Head to the Black Country Living Museum to learn about the industrial history of the city or, if you are a fan of Formula 1, then drop by the F1 Arcade for some competitive racing.
The city is also home to a number of canals which are the ideal place to paddle on Roundhouse Birmingham’s three-mile kayak tour.
If heading to a match in Birmingham, you can follow in the footsteps of characters to Peaky BlindersCredit: Alamy
For Peaky Blinders fans, you can step into the living set and filming spots featured in the series including St George’s Hall, the Georgian Quarter and Stanley Dock.
You can even grab a ‘Ruby Murray’ (a 1950s singer who’s name became Cockney rhyming slang for curry) on Birmingham’s famous Balti Triangle.
Make sure to explore Digbeth too, which is a trendy neighbourhood with a new food hall.
A Visit England spokesperson said: “Top tip – Edgbaston Village is not only home to the cricket ground but also leafy streets, a buzzing food scene and historic gardens.
“Take a leisurely stroll around the reservoir or try your hand at paddleboarding, kayaking or sailing via Edgbaston Watersports (disability-friendly sessions are available).”
Matches will be taking place at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on:
Friday June 12 – England vs Sri Lanka
Sunday June 14 – Bangladesh vs Netherlands & India vs Pakistan
Wednesday June 17 – South Africa vs Pakistan
Bristol
In Bristol, you can look at all the street artCredit: Alamy
Heading more south, Bristol offers amazing street art as well as swimming and even surfing.
Visitors can head to The Wave, which is a surfing and bodyboarding simulator, in an in-land lake.
But if you prefer a dip, you can head to Bristol Lido instead, which dates back to the Victorian period.
If you prefer to see art, then Bristol is ideal as you can head to Wake the Tiger or visit the new ‘Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman’ in Bristol at M Shed between June 20 and September 13.
If you want to get even more hands on and embrace your inner Banksy, you can participate in a Where the Wall spray painting session.
And you can even have a go for yourselfCredit: Alamy
A Visit England spokesperson said: “Don’t forget to call into the Gloucestershire Cricket Museum and Learning Centre for the chance to see some top cricket memorabilia.
“The collection includes the Benson & Hedges Super Cup, won in 1999, plus a collection of bats, balls and other cricketing equipment signed by some of the most famous cricketers of our time, including Brian Lara, Courtney Walsh and Jack Russell.”
The museum is open on match days.
Matches taking place at Bristol County Ground include:
Sunday June 21 – West Indies vs Sri Lanka
Tuesday June 23 – New Zealand vs Scotland & Sri Lanka vs Ireland
Thursday June 25 – South Africa vs Netherlands
Saturday June 27 – Pakistan vs Netherland & West Indies vs Ireland
Manchester
In Manchester, you can head to the National football museumCredit: Getty
In Manchester, football lovers can check out the National Football Museum and even try out the interactive games floor with a penalty shoot-out challenge.
If history is more your thing, then make sure to not miss out on the Everyone Welcome Manchester LGBTQ+ Walking Trail, which heads around the Gay Village.
Alternatively, you could swing by the Manchester Museum, where you can come face-to-face with a T-rex named Stan.
Currently, The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind exhibition is also on at Depot Mayfield until July 5
And as for music events, visit Aviva Studios which has events year-round.
A Visit England spokesperson said: “Stay as close to the action as possible with a pitch-side hotel room at Hilton Garden Inn, Emirates Old Trafford.
A Visit England spokesperson recommends staying at the Hilton Garden Inn, Emirates Old TraffordCredit: Google maps
“Rooms look over the grounds, with two match tickets offering access to a private balcony overlooking the pitch.”
Matches at Old Trafford Cricket Ground include:
Saturday June 13 – Scotland vs Ireland & Australia vs South Africa
Sunday June 21 – South Africa vs India
Thursday June 25 – India vs Bangladesh
Friday June 26 – Sri Lanka vs Scotland
Leeds
In Leeds, you can get into the cricket atmosphere by heading to Sixes, which allows visitors to play the sport in a fun, party-style way, with World Cup and T20 ‘modes’ available to play.
Elsewhere in the city, visitors can also head on a guided food tour and visit six independent spots to eat, showcasing the best of Yorkshire food.
Make sure to also wander around the Victorian Quarter, where you’ll find a mix of high-street, designer and independent brands across the historic shopping arcades.
A Visit England spokesperson said: “The suburb of Headingley is buzzing with bars, pubs and restaurants and is sure to provide a lively atmosphere around the match.
Make sure to also wander around the Victorian Quarter when in LeedsCredit: Alamy
“Post-match, sports bar The Box, offers rooftop views over towards the stadium.
“For a pre-match bite, another rooftop location is Crowded House in Leeds city centre set within the Trinity Centre, alongside Trinity Kitchen which offers an array of global cuisine.
“Stay at Headingley Stadium Hotel and wake up close to the action.”
Matches at Headingley Cricket Ground include:
Wednesday June 17 – Australia vs Bangladesh & India vs Netherlands
Thursday June 18 – West Indies vs Scotland
Saturday June 20 – England vs Scotland
Tuesday June 23 – Australia vs Pakistan
Southampton
The World Cup Cricket Tournament is taking a ‘tea break’ in the Southampton Hampshire Bowl, where reigning champions New Zealand will try to defend their titleCredit: Alamy
For a sporting city on the south coast, you should visit Southampton.
The World Cup Cricket Tournament is taking a ‘tea break’ in the Southampton Hampshire Bowl, where reigning champions New Zealand will attempt to defend their title.
Of course though, while in Southampton, you have to make the most of the water and can do so by heading to Southampton Water Activities Centre with canoeing and jet skiing.
Alternatively, you could step into the Solace Sauna in Lepe Country Park, which is a heated, beachside sauna experience with add ons including aromatherapy, scrubs and masks.
A Visit England spokesperson said: “Following a World Cup tour can be tiring, Eforea Spa at Utilita Bowl however offers a side of relaxation and rejuvenation alongside the thrilling jeopardy.
“Guests can experience an outdoor hot tub, Ice Fountain and Hydrotherapy Pool pre- or post-match.”
Matches at Utilita Bowl include:
Saturday June 13 – West Indies vs New Zealand
Tuesday June 16 – New Zealand vs Sri Lanka & England vs Ireland
Friday June 19 – New Zealand vs Ireland
Saturday June 20 – Australia vs Netherlands & Pakistan vs Bangladesh
Near Lords in London, you can venture around Marylebone Village where you will find cosy shops and cafesCredit: Alamy
London
Would this list really be complete if it didn’t feature the UK’s capital?
London has two major cricket venues – Lords in North London and The Kia Oval in South London – which will both host matches in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Lords is home to the Marylebone Cricket Club which is one of the most famous clubs in the world.
And if you are heading to a match at Lords, then you can also visit the nearby Regent’s Park and Marylebone Village, which is bursting with spots to grab a bite to eat, bars and independent shops.
Even though you are in a city, you can still enjoy a bit of water fun as well by heading paddleboarding with Paddleboarding London, which operates tours around Primrose Hill, Little Venice and Camden Market.
As for The Oval south of the river, it is home to Surrey County Cricket Club and you can even go on a tour of the grounds.
And near to The Oval, you grab a bite to eat at Market Place in VauxhallCredit: Alamy
Nearby, make sure to visit Market Place in Vauxhall for some top notch street food.
A Visit England spokesperson recommended: “Lords is the fitting backdrop to host the final, taking place on July 5.
“Cricket enthusiasts can go behind the scenes and gain access to exclusive areas of the ground including the Long Room, Player’s Dressing Rooms and MCC Museum, home of the Ashes Urn – cricket’s best-known artefact, as part of a museum and tour experience.”
Matches in London at Lords in North London and The Kia Oval in South London include:
Wednesday June 24 – England vs West Indies at Lords
Saturday June 27 – England vs New Zealand at The Oval
Sunday June 28 – South Africa vs Bangladesh & Australia vs India at Lords
