As one of the most recognisable figures in football during his days refereeing at the pinnacle of the European and world game, there is no one more qualified to dispense advice to the men taking charge at UEFA EURO 2012 than Pierluigi Collina.

The 52-year-old, who acts as UEFA's chief refereeing officer, knows more than most in the modern game about the art of officiating football matches and stressed to UEFA.com the important role the 12 men who will take charge at the finals will play.

With a lifetime of experience at the highest level behind him, the distinctive Collina made it clear that anticipation is the key to cracking the refereeing code. "[The referee] has to predict, he has to be aware of what can happen maybe one second later," he said. "This is the best way to be ready to make a decision. If you are surprised by something, you are very probably wrong. If you know that something can happen, you are ready, it's very probable that you will be right. So this is the main difference."

The relationship between player and referee is at the heart of the message that the Italian is hoping to get across to the current crop of men in the middle, a message of trust which he believes will improve performance for participants on both sides of the divide in Poland and Ukraine this summer.