Daniele Orsato has announced he will retire from the world of refereeing after participating in EURO 2024, but hopes Italy win the trophy rather than him close with a Final.
The official spoke to Sky Sport Italia ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in Germany on June 14 and will conclude with the showdown on July 14.
He confirmed that his career will come to a close following the competition.
“I close a wonderful experience and I am very proud, both for me and my family. I will give my all, I am proud of what I have done and will keep giving my best to the very end.”
Considering his experience and quality, Orsato is one of the candidates to officiate the EURO 2024 Final. So does he hope to see out his career with this most prestigious of jobs?
“Obviously, what we all hope for is that Italy win the tournament. I would be proud and happy if I were to officiate the Final, but if Italy win, I’ll be just as happy.”
If a nation reaches the later knockout stages of the competition, then their referees are sent home to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Orsato shrugs off designator role
The referee has also been linked with a future role as the chief designator in Serie A, but the 48-year-old shrugs that off.
“No, all I see is my family, my wife and children. I see nothing more other than them.”
Orsato has already officiated the 2019-20 Champions League Final and the decisive EURO 2024 play-off between Wales and Poland.
He struggled to hold back tears when officiating his last Champions League game.