Official: Referee Selected for Italy vs. Northern Ireland World Cup Play-off Semi-final
Dutch referee Danny Makkelie has been officially assigned to officiate Thursday's World Cup play-off semi-final between Italy and Northern Ireland.
The crucial World Cup play-off semi-final will see Italy host Northern Ireland in Bergamo on Thursday evening. The victor of this encounter will progress to an away fixture against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday, March 31, vying for a place in the main tournament.
Who will officiate Italy vs. Northern Ireland?
Makkelie will lead the officiating team when Italy faces Northern Ireland at the New Balance Arena. He will be supported by fellow Dutch assistants Hessel Steegstra and Jan De Vries, with Spain's Jesus Gil Manzano serving as the fourth official. The VAR duties will be handled by Pol van Boekel, with Jeroen Manschot assisting, both also from the Netherlands.
This will be Makkelie's fifth match involving the Azzurri. His most recent assignment with Italy was during EURO 2024, where Italy secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Croatia in their final Group B match.
A significant decision in that game saw him award a penalty against Italy due to a Davide Frattesi handball, although Gianluigi Donnarumma successfully saved Luka Modric’s resulting spot-kick.
Makkelie's previous matches with Italy also include their 3-0 group stage victory over Turkiye at EURO 2020, a goalless draw against Portugal in the 2018-19 Nations League, and a 3-2 win over North Macedonia during 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
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