Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli assures “Germany-France was the best” match to officiate at Euro 2016 – better even than the Final.
“I was very proud to be given a game like this,” he told Sky Sport Italia after the 2-0 Bleus victory.
“I had a lot of responsibility on my shoulders, as this was the most important match of the Euros with two sides of prestige and tradition.
“Did I mind not being given the Final? No, for me Germany-France was the best.”
Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli assures “Germany-France was the best” match to officiate at Euro 2016 – better even than the Final.
“I was very proud to be given a game like this,” he told Sky Sport Italia after the 2-0 Bleus victory.
“I had a lot of responsibility on my shoulders, as this was the most important match of the Euros with two sides of prestige and tradition.
“Did I mind not being given the Final? No, for me Germany-France was the best.”
Mark Clattenburg will officiate Sunday's Final between France and Portugal.
Rizzoli awarded a penalty for Bastian Schweinsteiger’s handling offence, though some argue it was a harsh decision.
“It was a difficult incident and a surprising one. I expect 99 per cent of people did not see the incident, but fortunately I was in a good position to judge and made this decision.
“The new rules improved the lives of referees and decisions are better understood by those watching us too.”
Italy went out to Germany after a penalty shoot-out in the quarter-final.
“I think in general Italian football comes out well from the Euros, but so do Italian referees.”