UEFA appoints Marco Guida for Netherlands match in Thessaloniki

On Thursday evening at 20.45, the Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki is set for a crucial Nations League match between Greece and the Netherlands, with the 45‑year‑old Italian Marco Guida as referee.

First Dutch assignment for Guida

UEFA has confirmed that Guida will referee an international match of the Dutch national team for the first time. He is the 542nd different referee to officiate a match in Dutch history. Previously he has been in European ties involving Ajax, AZ, PSV and Feyenoord.

Recent experiences and notable moments

In a Europa League match between AZ and Partizan Belgrade, Guida gave a red card to former AZ defender Jonas Svensson and awarded a penalty; the match ended 2‑2. In addition, he has not yet refereed a Dutch match in Nations League history.

Personal choices and background

Guida lives with his family in Naples and has publicly stated that he does not want to referee Napoli matches, fearing negative reactions in his hometown. He said: “It is a personal choice. The thought that I could make a mistake when awarding a penalty and then would not be able to go outside for two days to do my sporting activities gives me no peace.”

For the Netherlands this means the third Nations League duel under coach Xavi, after a 1‑1 draw against Germany and a 1‑2 win over Serbia. Greece, the opponent, has so far won both group matches: 1‑2 against Serbia and 0‑1 against Germany.

After the duel with Greece, the Netherlands still have one final group match, this time at home in Eindhoven. On Sunday evening at 20.45 the Netherlands play Serbia at the Philips Stadium, while Greece simultaneously face Germany at the Toumba Stadium.

Besides Guida there are also other Dutch officials active in the Nations League. Allard Lindhout referees the Ireland‑Austria match, with a fully Dutch VAR team consisting of Johan Balder, Murat Kücükerbir, Jannick van der Laan, Jeroen Manschot and Stan Teuben. In the Wales‑Norway game a Dutch VAR team is formed with Dennis Higler and Richard Martens.