It is hoped the 47-year-old, famous for his bald head and bulging eyes and widely considered as one of the best referees of all time, will help clean up the image of Italian football after last summer's match-fixing scandal.

The scandal, known as 'Calciopoli' involved clubs, directors, high-ranked Italian football federation (FIGC) officials and referees.

Earlier this week, the FIGC cleared Collina of any involvement in the furore.

Collina dismissed suggestions that he would be the saviour of refereeing in Italy where the image of officials has been severely tarnished.

"I know that there are great expectations of me and I promise I will do my best," he said.

"It is very gratifying and a great honour to be given this responsibility.

"But I am not, and don't want to be considered as the saviour of refereeing.

"I only want to bring to the job my experience, my 28 years as a referee."

Collina, who took charge of the 2002 World Cup final, retired from refereeing in 2005 and spent time as a financial advisor and a television pundit.