Match referee Roberto Rosetti of Italy (L) watches as Greece’s Angelos Basinas reacts after being fouled during their Group D Euro 2008 soccer match against Russia at the Wals-Siezenheim stadium in Salzburg, June 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
“First of all, I’m a supporter of the national team as I have been since I was a little boy. The penalty shootout was a very emotional moment and not very nice for the team,” said Rosetti.
“But I was in the opposite situation two years ago when Italy went on to win the World Cup. Of course, it’s a great honor for me and a very important day in my life.
“I am a referee and so the final of the European Championship is a wonderful situation,” added Rosetti, who was a last-minute replacement at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and took charge of four matches including France’s 3-1 victory over Spain in the last 16.
Rosetti also officiated co-hosts Switzerland’s tournament opener against the Czech Republic on June 7, when the Swiss lost 1-0 in Group A.
The other two matches he refereed were Russia’s 1-0 victory against Greece and the second quarterfinal won on penalties by Turkey over Croatia after their thrilling game finished 1-1 after extra time.