BKN301 Championship: Cosmos test for league leaders Virtus

There are still two matchdays to play before saying goodbye to 2023 in the BKN301 San Marino Championship, which returns to the pitch tomorrow with the twelfth round. Among the early kick-offs, the standout fixture is the clash between Cosmos and Virtus (Acquaviva, 15:00). Luigi Bizzotto’s side are maintaining a pace rarely seen in Sammarinese football: only victories so far this season – including Wednesday’s cup win – for a total of fourteen, coupled with an outstanding defence (the best in the league) with just four goals conceded. In Europe, only PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands have done better, with 14 league wins. The Neroverdi – without suspended Benincasa – want to protect their unbeaten record, but they face a Cosmos side in excellent form. After a difficult start to the season, Nicola Berardi’s team appear reborn, with three wins on the spin and 13 goals scored (Prandelli is the league’s top scorer on 12), a run that has propelled them up the table (the Gialloverdi are currently fifth on 20 points, thirteen behind leaders Virtus). All the ingredients are there for a big game. At the same time as the Acquaviva big match, Tre Penne take on Folgore (Montecchio, 15:00). Both sides are coming off midweek cup exertions, but with very different outcomes and moods: the Biancoazzurri swept aside Libertas 5-1 to reach the semi-finals; a different story for the Giallorossoneri, who were unable to complete their comeback against Tre Fiori. In the league, Ceci’s team are unbeaten like Virtus, but currently sit third, six points off the top. Lasagni’s men, meanwhile, are comfortably placed in mid-table and are fresh from a good win over Juvenes-Dogana. Also looking to bounce back after their cup ties – both ended in elimination – are Domagnano and Fiorentino, who meet at 15:00 at the “Federico Crescentini” in Fiorentino. Camillini’s side have been inconsistent, but are currently in the play-off positions thanks to 11th place in the standings. It is a tricky period instead for Paolo Rossi’s Lupi, who have not won since 28 October and are currently outside the post-season places. There will be two evening fixtures among tomorrow’s early games. La Fiorita face the youngsters of San Marino Academy Under 22 (Acquaviva, 18:15), taking to the pitch already knowing Virtus’ result and hoping to close the gap, which currently stands at five points. Manfredini’s side – without suspended Marco Gasperoni – will, however, have to be wary of Cecchetti’s men, who come into this one on the back of a good win over Faetano in the last round, a result that lifted the Titani back into play-off contention. Also kicking off at 18:15 are San Giovanni and Cailungo on the synthetic pitch at Montecchio. Both sides are in mid-table: the Rossoneri ended their winless run last time out, while the Rossoverdi have not taken all three points since as far back as 29 October. Sunday brings a top-of-the-table showdown between Murata and Tre Fiori (Montecchio, 15:00). The Gialloblu are currently fourth, one point clear of the Bianconeri, but may feel the effects of Wednesday’s Coppa Titano tie – albeit a positive one, as the Fiorentino club secured their place in the semi-finals. Angelini’s team, however, are coming off defeat to leaders Virtus, which halted a fine run of three straight victories. From a statistical point of view, Murata are yet to draw a match (eight wins and three defeats). Also at 15:00, but in Fiorentino, Libertas and Juvenes-Dogana will do battle. It is a difficult spell for both sides: Libertas are coming off a heavy cup defeat to rivals Tre Penne and are hit by numerous absences. In the league the Granata are currently outside the play-off spots – but only by a single point – and have not won since 4 November. Things are no better for Amati’s side, who have not collected three points since matchday six (21 October). Rounding off the twelfth round is the 18:15 kick-off between Faetano and Pennarossa on the synthetic pitch at Montecchio. The Gialloblu are seeking points to stay in the play-off positions in a very tight table (eight teams covered by just three points), while the Biancorossi remain bottom and are still searching for their first win of the season. Here is the schedule for the twelfth round of the BKN301 San Marino Championship, with all matches broadcast live – with full commentary – on TITANI.TV:

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