Italian referee appointed for World Cup final
Rizzoli was the target of criticism from the Belgium coach, Marc Wilmots, after the 1-0 quarter-final defeat by Argentina last Saturday
Nicola Rizzoli has been selected to referee Sunday’s World Cup final between Germany and Argentina.
The Italian official accused last week of favouring Argentina and Lionel Messi has been chosen to referee their World Cup final against Germany.
Nicola Rizzoli, a 42-year-old who refereed the 2013 Champions League final at Wembley, will take charge of the match in the Maracanã on Sunday but his appointment may be controversial.
Rizzoli was the target of criticism from the Belgium coach, Marc Wilmots, after the 1-0 quarter-final defeat by Argentina last Saturday.
It will be the third time this World Cup that Rizzoli has refereed a match involving Argentina – he was also in charge of their 3-2 win over Nigeria in Group F.
His first match of the tournament was Holland’s 5-1 triumph over Spain in the group stage.
Rizzoli will be assisted by Italian
Renato Faverani and Andrea Stefani as Assistant Referee 1and 2 while
Carlos Vera from Ecuador will be the fourth official.