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.
Fresh materials — Sport news
Serie A: Juventus vs. Bologna, Verona vs. Milan, Pisa vs. Genoa - Live Updates
This is a live blog covering several Serie A matches. We will provide real-time updates, key events, and results as they unfold. Stay tuned for the latest from Juventus vs. Bologna, Verona vs. Milan, and Pisa vs. Genoa. Juventus vs. Bologna Get ready for the clash between Juventus and
Inter's Path to Serie A Title Glory Next Weekend
Inter Milan stands on the brink of securing the 2025-26 Serie A title, with a potential championship-clinching victory next weekend contingent on a win against Torino and specific outcomes in matches involving Napoli and Milan. Following their decisive 3-0 victory over Cagliari, Inter has
Besiktas Pursues Juventus Winger Edon Zhegrova After Challenging First Season
Edon Zhegrova's tenure at Juventus appears likely to conclude after a single season, with Turkish club Besiktas having initiated contact with the Kosovo winger's agent regarding a potential summer move. According to reports from Turkish newspaper Fanatik, relayed by IlBianconero, the Koso
Milan Expresses Interest in Napoli's Spinazzola for Free Transfer
The future of Leonardo Spinazzola at Napoli appears increasingly uncertain. The experienced left-back has yet to receive any indication from the club regarding an extension to his contract, which is set to expire in June. Consequently, his representatives have begun exploring alternative option
Abodi Hits Back at Outgoing FIGC President Gravina: ‘Always Because of Politics’
Italian Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi has countered the assertions of the departing FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, who implied that the football association lacked sufficient governmental backing. Abodi stated that "when things go wrong, it's always because of politics." Gravina announced his d
Lotito Advocates for Special Commissioner to Restructure Italian Football Federation (FIGC)
Lazio owner Claudio Lotito has voiced his disagreement with the majority of Serie A clubs who support Giovanni Malagò as the next President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Lotito contends that a fundamental restructuring of the entire system is necessary, rather than simply appointi