Dutch referee Danny Makkelie, appointed for the World Cup playoff semi-final between Italy and Northern Ireland, had dinner in Bergamo the evening before the match. He was accompanied by his full refereeing team, including assistants Steegstra and de Vries, fourth official Gil Manzano, and VAR officials van Boekel and Manschot. Makkelie has a favorable record with the Italian national team, which remains unbeaten in four previous encounters under his direction, securing two victories and two draws.
Northern Ireland: The Makkelie Dossier
Northern Ireland coach Michael O’Neill has compiled a detailed 36-page dossier on referee Makkelie and his team. This report, intended for his players, includes information on the average number of bookings and typical reasons for carding, offering crucial guidance on how to behave during the match. O’Neill emphasized the importance of analyzing every detail for an underdog team, seeking to gain small advantages. Fearing that the support of the Bergamo crowd might influence refereeing decisions, the dossier aims to prevent controversial incidents that could alter the outcome, especially given Northern Ireland’s past negative experiences in playoffs against Switzerland.
