Italian woman quits modelling to become Serie A referee

An Italian model has turned her back on the catwalk in order to carve out a career as a football official.

And 32-year-old Claudia Romani, who has graced magazines such as GQ, Maxim and FHM with all manner of photoshoots, has already passed the necessary exams which qualify her to take charge of matches right up to Serie A.

"Running around on the pitch with all those players and calling the shots is just an irresistible opportunity," she said.

Claudia was born in Italy, but has also lived in Britain, Denmark and the USA, most recently being based in Miami.

But she is now back in her homeland, and facing a long road ahead: though she has all the qualifications she needs, Claudia will have to build up several years' experience in the lower leagues before she is unleashed on the Italian top flight.

Is it just us, or would it be easier to take her seriously if she hadn't posed for a series of provocative pictures while announcing her new career to the world?

Claudia will have to work quickly if she's to become the first woman to establish herself as a top referee in one of the world's biggest leagues.

Many will accuse this of being a publicity stunt, but it would be a groundbreaking story in football if she does go on to establish herself as a top referee.

The Italian FA would perhaps like her to tone down her modelling campaigns if she is to hold down a serious career at the top level of officiating, though.