Howard Webb is grateful for his ovation at Fiorentina–Juventus, and for being able to witness first hand Andrea Pirlo’s free-kick.
The Premier League match official and his team directed affairs in the second leg of the Serie A sides’ Europa League Last 16 clash at the Stadio Artemio Franchi last week.
Webb was well received by the crowd and was given an ovation by supporters before the kick-off.
“It was a fantastic evening, when I heard the ovation of the audience I did not realise it was for me.
Howard Webb is grateful for his ovation at Fiorentina-Juventus, and for being able to witness first hand Andrea Pirlo’s free-kick.
The Premier League match official and his team directed affairs in the second leg of the Serie A sides’ Europa League Last 16 clash at the Stadio Artemio Franchi last week.
Webb was well received by the crowd and was given an ovation by supporters before the kick-off.
“It was a fantastic evening, when I heard the ovation of the audience I did not realise it was for me.
“I turned around to see if someone important had entered the field…” Webb has considered to the Gazzetta dello Sport since.
“I enjoy these things – to be a referee is a passion, but without the co-operation of the palyers, fans and journalists, it becomes all the more difficult.
“It is important to understand the difficulties of a referee, we are humans and make mistakes.
“Would I like to referee in Serie A? It’s a difficult League and therefore challenging, but it would be a good experience for me.”
The 42-year-old, who refereed in 2010 the World Cup Final and Champions League Final, was asked about the winning goal in that match, from an Andrea Pirlo free-kick.
“Pirlo’s free-kick was magnificent, we have the good fortune to be able to witness certain masterpieces live and to see the best players in the world. This was the case in Fiorentina-Juventus.”
Webb was asked for a prediction for this summer’s World Cup clash between England and Italy.
“I don’t know, perhaps I will watch the game with my friend Rizzoli, a great referee, like his collegues – the Italian school is really of the highest level.”