Italy to start using two referees

The two refs will work together, following the same moves from different positions. With a free-kick, for example, it would enable one to monitor the wall from close range, while the other watched the melee in the goalmouth.

They will not be assigned to one half of the pitch each, although only one of them will be wearing a watch.

The experiment will start from the second round last 16 onwards in December, when the top clubs join in the tournament. Since the Cup is televised, millions of fans will also be watching.

Italy are keen to try anything that will remove doubts and controversies in refereeing, after two seasons in which their match officials have been pilloried bypress and public alike.

Sergio Gonella, head of the Italian Referees Association AIA, said: 8220;We must remember that this is just an experiment to find out if two pairs of eyes are better than one, and to see if it really does mean fewer mistakes.8221;