It will be Dutch Danny Makkelie the referee designated to direct the very delicate challenge between Croatia and Italy, last of group B, a match that will decide the future of our national team at Euro 2024. Italy qualifies for the round of 16 with two results out of three, all of which will be played at the Red Bulla Arena in Leipzig, theater of the match. This is why Makkelie, considered among the best referees of the European Championships, was chosen. But there is a precedent…
Italy, who is Makkelie
In addition to being an internationally established referee, Makkelie in everyday life is a policemanor. This is also why they recognize a certain severity and notable harshness towards the players on the pitch. His name is linked above all to a sensational phantom goal which, in the 2021 European Championships, he saw as protagonist Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s match against Serbia: in the 94th minute CR7 scores, but none of the team (without technology) notices that the ball has entered and the goal is not awarded. Ronaldo fury and a 2-2 final, with Makkelie forced to apologize in the following days.
The referee team for Croatia-Italy
So, Makkelie first referee. The Dutchman will be helped by assistants Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries, fourth official Serdar Gozubuyuk and vario player Rob Dieperink, all Dutch. Also compatriot Pol van Boekel, at AVAR with Bastian Dankert, the only German.
