Three nations have been able to get around UEFA's strict new rule at Euro 2024 by making their goalkeeper captain

Italy, Denmark and Slovenia have been able to get around a new rule at Euro 2024 after giving their goalkeeper the captain's armband.

All three nations are through to the last 16 of this summer's European Championship.

Italy will face Switzerland in the knockout stages thanks to a dramatic last-minute strike from Mattia Zaccagni in their Group B clash against Croatia.

Denmark also advanced after finishing second in Group C behind England, while Slovenia secured a round of 16 spot as one of the best third-placed teams.

As well as progressing to the next stage of this summer's tournament. all three nations have something else in common – they've made their goalkeeper captain.

So why does that matter? Well, ahead of the tournament kicking off, UEFA introduced a rule change designed to stop players surrounding a referee.

In short, the rule states that a captain is the only player allowed to discuss a decision made by the official. And if another player approaches the referee to dispute his call, then they will be booked.

UEFA's chief refereeing officer Roberto Rosetti explained the decision.

"We shared the idea with the Euro 2024 coaches and spoke about this topic inside our UEFA Football Board, with top players, former players and coaches," he said.

"And, all together, we agreed about this situation and then went to the teams. They are happy about this. We are doing this not for the referees or the UEFA Referees Committee, but for football, the image of the game and the next generation.

"These sessions [with the teams] were very productive. All the players interacted in a very good way – they wanted to know how we wanted to apply this open dialogue with the captains and they were absolutely satisfied about this."

Rosetti added: "I am sure it will be a fantastic example for the next era of football.”

But on Tuesday, for example, goalkeeper Jan Oblak sported the armband for Slovenia, so another outfield player was allowed to be nominated to speak with the referee.

Image credit: Getty

Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek recently confirmed that centre-back Jaka Bijol would be given that responsibility.

“Jaka Bijol will communicate with the referees,” he said. “If we haven’t had issues with referees due to our behaviour on the field so far, I believe it will be the same in Germany.

"At the same time, we’re talking about football, emotions – anyone can get carried away, even me. But this is Euro 2024, where only the best in Europe will remain in the game.”

Denmark also have the same issue, with Pierre Emile Hojbjerg taking responsibility of interacting with the official as captain Kasper Schmeichel stands between the sticks.

Italy skipper Gianluigi Donnarumma opened up on the rule change ahead of this summer's tournament.

"We spoke to [UEFA referees chief] Roberto Rossetti and it was very clear," he said. "When there are situations near the penalty area then I will go across and speak to the match officials, but before games we will decide as to who is going to speak to the referees for situations far from the penalty area."

He added: "It might be Jorginho or Nicolo Barella, we'll decide just before kick-off."