Rosetti continues Italian tradition

Distinguished line
The 40-year-old hospital manager from Turin, and his two compatriot assistants Alessandro Griselli and Paolo Calcagno, are the latest in a distinguished line of match officials from Italy who have taken charge of major international games – the most recent example being Pierluigi Collina. 
"I share my satisfaction with the Italian referees – starting from the young referees in local football up to the professionals," Rosetti said before a photo session on the pitch with his assistants, as well as Peter Fröjdfelt and Stefan Wittberg, the Swedish fourth official and reserve assistant referee respectively.

Respect and consideration
"Historically, Italian referees have always enjoyed great respect and consideration in international tournaments," he added. "Pierluigi Collina was not only a great international referee, but has also become a symbol of international football in the world. We are preparing for tomorrow's game with commitment and passion, and we're grateful for the esteem showed by the UEFA Referees Committee. We have done our best so far, now we are about to live this extraordinary moment."

'Very intense'
The Italian trio are well prepared for the final. "These four weeks have been very intense," said Griselli. "We have lived these four weeks with our colleagues – who would have been as worthy as us. We have followed all of the games, also with the help of experts, so we are approaching the final with a calm attitude." Calcagno added: "We are a trio in Italy," said Calcagno. "We have worked in Serie A over the past season, especially in the difficult games, as well as in games abroad. We're a very tightly-knit group who work very well together."

Football passion
Since his appointment, Rosetti has relayed his passion for the game which has now given him a blue-riband assignment. "Refereeing is a very important part of my life, I do it with great passion – it is enjoyment. I never planned to become an international referee. I would advise refereeing to any young people, because it shapes your character and makes you become a better person." Certainly refereeing in Italy has been an invaluable learning process for Rosetti and his colleagues. "The pressure in Italy is very intense," he said. "My father is a football fan, so I know the reactions ... it is part of the game when fans sometimes blame the referee." He emphasises that when decisions are taken, what spectatots may see on a TV replay is not necessarily what a referee or players see on the pitch.

Respect
The idea of respect that has run through UEFA EURO 2008™ is also welcomed by top referees like Rosetti. "It's an important objective for all of the players who play at such a high level to not only respect the opposition, but also the referee and their team-mates – if they show respect in all of these aspects, then they will respect themselves. Tomorrow night, the players are heroes, especially to many young people. Clearly their attitude is very important."

Positive tension
"We are people first and foremost, and then referees," he said, when discussing how he does miss his home and family when away for over a month, before focusing again on the job in hand. "It is a huge responsibility. It's only natural to be bit tense, just as it is for players – but it's a positive tension all the same."