A former model could become the first female referee in Serie A, the Italian top-flight.

Claudia Romani has passed all the qualifications required to officiate in the top two divisions in Italy.

The 32-year-old is quoted as saying: "Running around on the pitch with all those players and calling the shots is just an irresistible opportunity."

No female referee has taken charge of a Serie A match, however female officials in the most popular leagues in the world are becoming increasingly common, if still incredibly unrepresented.

In England's Premier League, no female official has refereed a match however Sian Massey-Ellis has become a regular running the line as an assistant.

In Germany, Bibiana Steinhaus became the first female referee to officiate a professional men's match. She was recently at the centre of controversy when in her role as a fourth official, Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola began to take his frustrations out on her as he watched his side draw 0-0 with Monchengladback. The Spaniard made physical contact with Steinhaus which is an offence in German football.