New Soccer Strategy, Or A 'Flash' In The Pan?

In the latest fashion statement/sports controversy to hit Italy, soccer players are dropping their shorts to score goals.

Catania, a team in the country’s top division, unveiled the new look while taking a free kick in a recent Series A match against Torino. The players lined up in a wall (in similar fashion to the defensemen) and dropped their shorts in an effort to block the goalkeeper’s vision.

In the picture above, Catania carries out the "ballsy" maneuver to perfection as Giuseppe Mascara scores in a 3-2 win over Torino (forward Gianvito Plasmati-- on the right-- is seen with his shorts down as the ball scores).

Former referee coordinator Paolo Casarin called the move unsportsmanlike and in bad taste. "It’s a trick that should not be tolerated anymore by the referees,” he said.

The team's coach replied, “A trick? I wouldn’t say so. It’s up to the referee to decide if it should be penalized, otherwise I don’t see where the problem is. … Good taste is relative.”