Bergamo, Italy – The path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the Italian national team goes through a familiar face in the officiating ranks. UEFA has appointed Dutch referee Danny Makkelie to oversee the crucial playoff semifinal between Italy and Northern Ireland, scheduled for Thursday, March 26th at 8:45 PM CET (2:45 PM EST) at the Latest Balance Arena in Bergamo. The stakes are high as Italy seeks to secure a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Makkelie, 43, isn’t a stranger to the Azzurri. This appointment will mark the fifth time he’s officiated a match involving the Italian national team. His debut with Italy came on October 9, 2016, during a World Cup qualifying match that Italy won 3-2 against North Macedonia. He also took charge of a Nations League encounter in 2018, a goalless draw between Italy, and Portugal. More recently, Makkelie officiated Italy during both the 2021 and 2024 European Championships.
At Euro 2021, Makkelie was in charge for Italy’s impressive 3-0 victory over Turkey in Rome. Then, at Euro 2024, he oversaw the match between Italy and Croatia, a thrilling 1-1 draw decided by a late goal from Giacomo Zaccagni, which ultimately sent Italy through to the knockout stages. This history suggests a level of familiarity – and perhaps a degree of comfort – for the Italian squad.
Beyond his assignments with the national team, Makkelie is a well-respected figure in European football. He’s a seasoned referee with experience in both the Champions League and Europa League. Notably, he officiated the 2020 Europa League final between Inter Milan and Sevilla, a match Sevilla won 3-2. Italian fans may also remember him from a more controversial moment: the Champions League clash between Juventus and Barcelona in October 2020, where he controversially disallowed three goals scored by Álvaro Morata.
Makkelie’s officiating crew will include fellow Dutch assistants Steegstra and De Vries, while Spanish official Jesus Gil Manzano will serve as the fourth official. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties will also be handled by a Dutch team, with Van Boekel and Manschot taking on the roles of VAR and Assistant VAR, respectively. This all-Dutch VAR presence underscores the confidence UEFA has in Makkelie and his team for this high-pressure playoff match.
The appointment of Makkelie also brings to mind a significant moment in the history of VAR itself. In September 2016, Makkelie was the referee during a KNVB Cup match between Ajax and Willem II when VAR was used for the remarkably first time to overturn a decision. Anouar Kali of Willem II was initially shown a yellow card for a foul, but after review, Makkelie changed the decision to a red card, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of the game.
For Italy, navigating this playoff semifinal against Northern Ireland is the first hurdle in a challenging path to reach the 2026 World Cup. A win would see them advance to the playoff final, where they would face either Poland or Estonia, with a coveted spot in the tournament on the line. The pressure is immense, and the presence of a referee with a proven track record, like Danny Makkelie, aims to ensure a fair and decisive contest.
The match in Bergamo is set to be a tense affair, with both teams acutely aware of the significance of the outcome. Makkelie’s experience and reputation for decisive officiating will be crucial as he manages what is sure to be a highly competitive encounter. Fans will be hoping for a smooth and fair match as Italy strives to return to the World Cup stage.
Following the match against Northern Ireland, Italy’s potential path to the World Cup will become clearer. Should they win, the playoff final will be their next immediate challenge. The team will undoubtedly be focused on securing their place in the expanded 2026 tournament, and Makkelie’s officiating will play a key role in determining whether they can achieve that goal.
