About time: Italy after goal-line tech approved

The Italian soccer world has given its thumbs up to the decision to approve the use of goal-line technology to determine whether the ball has crossed the line. "About Time," read the front-page headline of Italy's top sports newspaper, La Gazzetta dello Sport, on Friday. Thursday's historic decision by soccer's International Board (IFAB) came after Euro 2012 showed that even a goal-line ref staring down the line could not see that Ukraine had scored a goal in a group-stage match against England. Two systems, Hawk-Eye - already used in tennis and cricket - and GoalRef, have been approved by the IFAB after passing a series of scientific tests. "It's finally happened," AC Milan Chief Executive Adriano Galliani told Sky television. "I don't understand why Hawk-Eye was used in tennis but not in soccer". The IFAB also approved the use of goal-line officials, who have already been employed in the Champions League and at Euro 2012. National federations are free to choose which of the three options they employ, if any. Serie A is not expected to see either of the technological solutions used in the near future because of economic factors, with installation estimated to cost around 200 euros per ground. But goal-line assistants could be seen in Serie A soon, according to media reports.