The selection of Simone Sozza as the head referee for this evening’s Serie A clash between Inter and Napoli has been the source of a bit of controversy, but as far as the league is concerned, it is the right one.
This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, who report that the Lega Serie A consider the 35-year-old to be the best candidate for the job despite the fact that he was born close to the city of Milan.
The fact that Sozza was born in the Lombardia region close to Milan has been the subject of some controversy when he’s been appointed to important matches in the past.
The 35-year-old was the head match official for Inter’s Serie A clash with Roma last season, a fact which was brought up in the press.
After the match, however, Giallorossi coach Jose Mourinho had nothing but praise for the referee.
This was a reflection of the fact that Sozza has emerged as one of the most talented and effective referees in Italy, and at 35 is just coming into the right balance of youth and experience to be a logical candidate for the most important matches.
Sozza was also appointed to take charge of AC Milan’s Serie A clash with Fiorentina earlier this season, and once again was commended for his handling of that match.
There are no longer restrictions on appointing referees to matches based on where they were born in Serie A.
As such, referee designator Gianluca Rocchi was not restricted in his decision, and came to the conclusion that Sozza is the right man for this evening’s match.
