Davide Massa appointed to officiate England–Spain opener

Italian referee Davide Massa has been selected to oversee England’s meeting with Spain in the opening round of the UEFA Nations League, the Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed. The forty‑five‑year‑old, an international official since 2014 and a member of UEFA’s elite category, will be assisted by compatriots Filippo Meli and Alessio Berti on the touchlines, with Marco Di Bello operating as VAR.

This will be only the second time Massa has refereed Spain, having previously handled their 1‑1 friendly draw against the Netherlands in November 2020 at an empty Johan Cruyff Arena. Despite his extensive continental experience, he has yet to officiate a major final. His most recent UEFA assignment came earlier this month, overseeing Liverpool’s 2‑1 win against Atlético Madrid at Anfield on Champions League matchday one.

England and Spain will face off today, with the fixture set to open Group A’s first matchday.