Norwegian referee Eskas for Feyenoord vs. Inter in Champions League | OneFootball

Norwegian referee Espen Eskas has been assigned to the first leg of the Champions League clash between Inter and Feyenoord and has a poor record with Italian sides.

It kicks off at the De Kuip stadium on Wednesday at 17.45 GMT.

Inter swept straight through to the Round of 16 after finishing in the top eight of the league phase of the competition.

Feyenoord eliminated Milan in the play-offs on a 2-1 aggregate scoreline.

Eskas assigned for Feyenoord vs. Inter

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 29: Caio Henrique of AS Monaco is challenged by Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between FC Internazionale Milano and AS Monaco at Stadio San Siro on January 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

UEFA have announced that Eskas will officiate the first leg tie, with support from fellow countrymen Jan Erik Engan, Isaak Elias Bashevkin and fourth official Sigurd Kringstad.

The Video Assistant Referee is German Christian Dingert, aided by Tiago Martins of Portugal.

Eskas is 36 years old and already officiated several Italian teams this season, with a rather negative record.

He oversaw Milan’s 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool and Juventus suffering a 1-0 loss to VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League, with Danilo sent off in the latter.

He also officiated Fiorentina’s 3-1 victory against Pafos in the Conference League.

Eskas oversaw Italy’s 2-2 Nations League draw with Belgium in October, where Lorenzo Pellegrini was shown a straight red card before half-time.

He has never officiated an Inter match, but between club and country oversaw two Italian wins, one draw and two defeats at senior level.