In a wide-ranging interview with DAZN, legendary Italian referee Pierluigi Collina opened up about his career, the modern state of officiating, and the technology that has reshaped the game. The former official, widely regarded as one of the greatest referees in football history, shared personal anecdotes and professional insights that offer a rare window into the pressures and evolution of the role.
Collina, who officiated the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, reflected on the unique demands of the job. He explained that a referee's primary function is to make decisions, often impulsively, without the luxury of prolonged deliberation. "The work of a referee is to make decisions, you must not be afraid to do it," Collina stated. "In everyday life you stop to reflect, but the referee in a certain sense must be impulsive and decide anyway and always immediately." This mindset, he suggested, is fundamental to maintaining authority on the pitch.
The conversation turned to the contemporary perception of officials. Collina observed a societal shift where figures of authority, including referees, have lost some of their traditional aura. "Today you are accepted on the field, not so much for who you are but for what you do," he noted. "For this reason, it becomes fundamental to demonstrate what you know how to do." This places an even greater emphasis on performance and competence as the primary source of a referee's credibility.
Addressing the specific incident involving Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni and AC Milan's Pierre Kalulu, Collina hinted at a broader lesson. While not detailing the event, his commentary on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was clear. He emphasized that technology is a tool, not a replacement for human judgment. "VAR? The referee must still make the decision," Collina asserted. This underscores a critical philosophy: the on-field official retains ultimate responsibility, using video review as a consultative resource rather than a definitive verdict.
Collina's own legacy is built on a foundation of decisive, correct calls. He challenged the old adage that the best referee is the one who goes unnoticed. "It is a historical falsehood," he argued. "If you award three penalties you are noticed, but what makes the difference is that they were correct. The best referee is the one who makes the correct decisions." This principle directly informs his current work as FIFA's Chief of Referees, where he oversees the selection and training of officials for major tournaments, including the upcoming World Cup.
The interview also revealed the personal side of the iconic bald official. Collina suffers from alopecia, a condition that caused him to lose all his body hair at age 25. He spoke candidly about the initial difficulty, recalling how people would stare and how the refereeing authorities initially hesitated, hoping his hair would grow back. A pivotal moment came when he was assigned to officiate a high-profile match in Latina. "I will always thank that public, much more interested in the refereeing than in my hair," he said, marking a turning point in his acceptance.
His fame transcended the sport, even making its way into popular culture. Collina mentioned, with some amusement, that he was featured in an episode of the anime "Captain Tsubasa" (known as "Holly and Benji" in Italy) without his knowledge or consent. While flattered, he also acknowledged the downside: a complete loss of privacy. He recounted an anecdote from the 2002 World Cup in Japan, where he was mobbed for photos by fans who knew little about football, illustrating his global celebrity status.
Despite the challenges, Collina's passion for the game remains undiminished. He confessed that he still occasionally dreams of being back on the pitch. "Sometimes I happen to dream it. What I did was an important part of my life, to the point that I still dream of refereeing a match, but then I wake up in the morning," he admitted. This sentiment highlights the deep connection many former officials maintain with the sport long after hanging up their whistles.
Looking ahead, Collina is focused on his role with FIFA, preparing for his third World Cup as head of refereeing. He expressed confidence in the Italian officials selected for the tournament, hoping they will perform well. His journey from a feared on-pitch authority to a key architect of modern officiating standards provides a unique perspective on the beautiful game's constant evolution.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.com - Calcio.