It’s not new that Elena Tambini is an Italian soccer referee. She’s been doing it for at least a few years, according to her social media accounts. What’s new is that she’s now turned the ref job into a TV gig. Tambini, who is 26, started her TV career in August as the equivalent of Mike Pereira for an Italian sports channel.
Once again, the U.S. is always a step behind. How brilliant is this? You get a hot chick, who doesn’t mind that you think she’s hot, working in a job that isn’t a sideline reporting job and she gets to show her knowledge of the game instead of asking, “What do you need to change at halftime?” Women are always screaming that they want more influence in the world of baseball, basketball and football. Take a cue from Tambini — get heavily involved in the sport as an official and turn it into a TV job.
Prove in corso per la nuova stagione de "La moviola è uguale per tutti", in onda da stasera.Benvenuta Elena #Tambini! pic.twitter.com/EUK3LDb1IW
— Pressing (@Pressing_real) August 24, 2015
Still not a believer that Tambini has actual ref credentials? She worked in the Eccellenza League, which is the fifth level of Italian futbol. It’s Serie D. That’s high enough — it’s obviously not close to Serie A’s level — to take her talents to the TV side of the business where she’s now a star. The NY Post reported in February that there’s never been a female ref in Serie A. So you become a Pereira.
She’s already a star after one month on the job. Take note, ESPN.
[@ ElyTamb]
