The meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Newcastle this weekend confirmed the new system would be used from the start of next season.

“These won’t be assistants, but actual referees,” noted Italian legend Collina, now the refereeing designator.

“It has already been experimented during some youth competitions with the two box judges there to officiate on what happens in the penalty area, which is something that requires a great deal of experience.

“Testing out an innovation like this represents a great opportunity for Italy.”

Serie A has already been the guinea pig for other technological advances, such as a camera on the inside of the crossbar to judge whether the ball has completely crossed the line.

“The Federation must decide on which division to begin experimenting this new system. [FIGC President Giancarlo] Abete has always said he is ready to continue the tests in a professional level.

“After all, referees like Rizzoli, De Marco and Saccani already took part in the experimentation so far and said they were satisfied with the results.”

The IFAB rejected proposals to allow a fourth substitute in extra time and an ‘orange’ card – a sin bin for a particularly nasty challenge.