Serie A

Referee Chosen For Trofeo Berlusconi

The prestigious friendly that takes place before each season will be in the hands of Referee Nicola Rizzoli...

Aug 17, 2008 4:31:25 PM

Tim Cup: Milan-Juventus, Marchionni - Pirlo (Foto Grazia Neri)

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Tim Cup: Milan-Juventus, Marchionni - Pirlo (Foto Grazia Neri)

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The referee from Bologna has been chosen to control the proceedings as the San Siro, as the much-anticipated match will certainly require a referee with plenty of experience.

The 36 year-old man in black has officiated high-profile matches several times during career, most notably during the last two seasons. On his resumé, Rizzoli can boast many emotionally-charged matches, including those between Inter and Roma, and the Milan and Rome derbies.

To date, Rizzoli has refereed 73 Serie A matches and is considered a top-class referee for the most part by those in the peninsula.

In fact, Rizzoli's positive performances as a referee were noticed outside of Italy as well and he was included in the list of international referees as of January 2007.

The Trofeo Berlusconi will likely require all of Rizzoli's expertise as it is a special occasion any time Juventus and Milan meet, whether it be an official match or not. As well, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti continues his war of wrods with the Juventus tifosi and Rizzoli will have to be prepared if that kind of attitude boils over onto the field between the players.

Rizzoli's linesman have also been chosen as Maggiani and Pirondini and Mazzoleni will be the fourth official on the pitch.

Adam Scime