This was published 12 years ago
Fairer play: Model on brink of history
The beautiful game
As well as her work on the pitch, Tambini is also a part-time model.
The beautiful game
Remember the name, Elena Tambini. The 25-year-old is being touted as a star on the rise in football and it's not for her playing abilities.
The beautiful game
Tambini is a referee. She currently officiates in Italy's lower leagues, but is fighting to become one of just a handful of female whistleblowers who've made it to the top.
The beautiful game
Italy's Serie A is considered one of football's best competitions, but has battled falling attendances over the past few years, whilst being dogged by match-fixing. The news of Elena's rise through the ranks is sparking welcome interest.
The beautiful game
Indeed, the beauty and the so-called beautiful game appear a match made in heaven for sports marketers.
The beautiful game
If she were successul and one day officiated in Serie A, Tambini would be following in the footsteps of some of the world's greatest female trailblazers in sport.
The beautiful game
Among the many women who've turned heads in the past decade, driving ace Susie Wolff is arguably the most successful.
The beautiful game
On the eve of the 2014 Australian Formula One Grand Prix it was announced she would become the first woman in 22 years to take part in an F1 event of any kind.
The beautiful game
Already a development driver with British team Williams, the 31-year-old will take part in the first practice sessions ahead of both the British and German Grands Prix in July.
The beautiful game
The Scot's progression through the ranks of motorsport began with karting. (Getty)View more galleries
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