The Italian National team didn’t make it until the end of the World Cup 2014 in Brazil. However, an Italian will be on the field during the match and keep the flag flying. Nicola Rizzoli redeems the Azzurri’s failure arbitrating the so awaited final between Germany and Argentina, which will take place on Sunday, July 13th, at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
For the 42 years old Italian referee, this is the fourth match he is going to arbitrate during this edition of the World Cup in Brazil. He already ‘directed’ Spain-Netherlands, Argentina-Nigeria and Argentina-Belgium.
Moreover it’s the third time that an Italian referee arbitrates the final match of a World Cup. Indeed, before him, the whistle happened to be used by Gonella in 1978 (Argentina 3-1 Netherlands) and by Collina in 2002 (Germany 0-2 Brazil).
During this edition of the World Cup, Rizzoli already arbitrated two times a match in which Argentina was playing . And in both cases Argentina won. A good luck charm?
Source URL: http://ftp.iitaly.org/magazine/focus/facts-stories/article/little-bit-italy-world-cup-final
Links
[1] http://ftp.iitaly.org/files/rizzoli-0111405110596jpg