RIO DE JANEIRO, – Italian Nicola Rizzoli has been picked to referee tomorrow’s World Cup final between Germany and Argentina, FIFA’s referee chief Massimo Busacca confirmed.
Rizzoli has officiated the group games Spain v Netherlands and Nigeria v Argentina, as well as Argentina’s quarter-final against Belgium at the Brazil tournament.
Many Germany players also know him as he was in charge of the 2013 Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
The choice of Rizzoli is seen as a surprise because a referee from outside the European and South American confederations was expected to officiate the game at Rio’s Maracana.
Meanwhile Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella will probably quit after the World Cup final against Germany, his agent says.
“I am certain that Alejandro will not continue with the team,” Eugenio Lopez told Delta FM radio station.
“He has dreamed of this all his life, he worked and strived for this. He has given Argentina everything he has.”
Sabella became coach after the 2011 Copa America and is now a national hero for taking the team to their first World Cup final since 1990.
