Buffon slams VAR

Juventus and Italy goalkeeping great Gianluigi Buffon has slammed the "misuse" of the video assistant referee (VAR) system, saying that it makes Serie A "ugly".

The VAR, footage which can be consulted by the referee on the touchlines to rule on key incidents, is being used in Serie A for the first time this season ahead of its World Cup debut in Russia next year.

But while several VAR decisions have been vindicated over the opening two weekends, mistakes have been made and Buffon, along with Roma midfielder Diego Perotti, is among its biggest critics.

"If you ask me, the VAR is being misused, and out of proportion," Buffon said Saturday after helping Juventus launch a 4-2 comeback victory at Genoa.

"We were told it would be used sparingly, in a fair and logical manner. Instead, it's like we're playing water polo. It's making the game ugly."

A World Cup-winner, Italy's current caps record holder (169), and a losing Champions League finalist twice in the past three years, Buffon's goalkeeping credentials don't need debating.

And when it comes to VAR, he has direct experience. The 39-year-old was part of Serie A VAR history, stopping a first-half penalty in a 3-0 season-opening win at Cagliari last week when referee Fabio Maresca used it for the first time in Italy's top flight.