DOCUMENTED LIFE
From Serie A to a World Cup final
Collina began refereeing Serie A in 1991 and gained international status in 1993. Finals included Argentina–Nigeria at the 1996 Olympics, Manchester United–Bayern in the 1999 Champions League and Brazil–Germany at the 2002 World Cup. Marseille–Valencia in the 2004 UEFA Cup followed. After on-field retirement he handled Serie A and B appointments from 2007 to 2010, then moved into UEFA work. The Italian federation restores a familiar face to specific duties. Refereeing requires a timely judgement and a consistent measure for both sides. Later appointment work moved responsibility toward conditions established before many matches.
TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
A fine distinction made in time
The reference for 13 February 1960 is 庚子, 戊寅 and 辛未. 辛 metal suggests fine distinctions, 庚 boundaries and earth support for rules. How can a timely decision retain a consistent measure? A birthday cannot establish fairness or replace review of a call.
寅 wood and 子 water invite attention to changing play. His hour is unknown. An official's reputation and the accuracy of a particular decision remain separate questions rather than one complete-chart judgement.
EDITORIAL REFLECTION
Order needs execution
Written rules still need execution amid moving players. A sound measure requires decisiveness, reasons and openness to scrutiny. His experience places that work on a football pitch. More spectators make it more necessary that presence does not obscure judgement. Order ultimately has to hold in particular events.