Italy's Rizzoli to referee World Cup final

Italian Nicola Rizzoli has been picked to referee Sunday's (Monday AEST) World Cup final between Germany and Argentina, FIFA's referee chief Massimo Busacca confirmed.

Rizzoli has officiated the group games Spain v Netherlands and Nigeria v Argentina, as well as Argentina's quarter-final against Belgium at the Brazil tournament.

Many Germany players also know him as he was in charge of the 2013 Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

The choice of Rizzoli is seen as a surprise because a referee from outside the European and South American confederations was expected to officiate the game at Rio's Maracana.