League: goalkeeper emergency for Murata, La Fiorita labour but celebrate

San Giovanni and La Fiorita go at it from the very first minutes: in the 6th, from a Vitaioli free kick, Semprini reacts quickest in a goalmouth scramble, stabbing in with the toe to catch Starna cold. Mazzotti is also close by and claims the final touch on the effort from the former Murata player, but it changes little: the Gialloblù are in front. And just after the quarter-hour mark they double their lead, thanks to a perfect knockdown from Zafferani for Olcese, who only has to tap into the net from point-blank range. It would be a mistake, however, to write off San Giovanni, who halfway through the first half get themselves back into it on the scoreboard as well: Nicola Sartini punishes a lapse from Mazzotti, anticipating his back pass for Zavoli and winning a penalty. From the spot Aprea makes no mistake and the game is back on. And on the half-hour mark it is almost 2-2 through the same attacking midfielder, who drives into the box with the ball at his feet before sending a diagonal effort just wide. The game remains finely balanced after the restart too, with Augusto Garcia Rufer’s scuffed effort replying to Zaccaria’s attempt. Far more dangerous on 63 minutes is the striker’s header, from an Aprea cross, that shaves the top corner. From there to the final whistle, little or nothing else happens, also thanks to La Fiorita – who are effective in taking the sting out of the game and reclaiming top spot in the table ahead of tomorrow’s Tre Penne-Cosmos clash. In Fiorentino, Domagnano and Faetano faced off, with Ricchiuti’s side starting the brighter. Brisigotti looks in inspired form and goes close to scoring with a placed effort from the edge of the box that just brushes the angle. Colonna then proves decisive against Dulcetti, while Domagnano threaten through Rushavi and Angelini, both shooting too centrally to cause Forconesi any serious problems. Late in the half the captain in pectore of the Giallorossi tries again, but his left-footed diagonal finishes just wide by a matter of centimetres. After the interval Faetano come flying out of the blocks and take the lead with a moment of brilliance from Dulcetti – doing superbly to wrong-foot Baffoni and beat Colonna to it with a clever toe-poke finish. At the other end Forconesi is immense in denying Angelini the equaliser, while his opposite number Colonna prevents Domagnano from going 2-0 down in a one-on-one with Dulcetti. On 85 minutes Angelini spins brilliantly in the box before unleashing a powerful strike, but Forconesi is well positioned to save. Rossi’s side leave the sting in the tail, finding a last-gasp equaliser from the penalty spot through Gregori – in the third minute of stoppage time. There are ten minutes of added time at the end of the first half of Folgore-Murata because of an injury suffered by Cervellini in the build-up to Bitti’s 5th-minute opener. On that occasion Lasagni’s winger does well to capitalise on a hesitation from Petillo, skipping round the Bianconeri goalkeeper as well and rolling the ball into the empty net. When it rains it pours for Murata, already dealing with Benedettini’s shoulder injury and now forced to assess the condition of his natural replacement – stretchered off. An outfield player, Del Vecchio, goes between the sticks. Despite everything, it is Grassi’s side who try their luck through Pineschi and Echel, without causing major headaches for Guddo, who can only watch as Pineschi’s excellent free kick drifts just wide on 45 minutes. After the break the first shot on target is Folgore’s, from the usual Bitti: Del Vecchio – standing in as an emergency keeper – clutches it comfortably. Despite Murata’s spirited efforts, the scoreline does not change: the Giallorossoneri edge it and join Cosmos and La Fiorita at the top. Tre Fiori need the entire first half to break the deadlock against Juvenes-Dogana. The wait is more than worth it thanks to a wonderful volley from Braschi, who catches perfectly a clearance that drops to him some 20 metres out from the Serravalle side’s goal: a left-footed strike unstoppable for Gentilini or anyone else, arriving just seconds before Hafidi’s half-time whistle. Earlier, Fabbri’s men had gone close to 1-0 through Merli and Simeoni, while Pini struck the crossbar with an overcooked cross. After the restart, Juvenes-Dogana manage a couple of long-range efforts and little more, up against a Tre Fiori in cruise control who come close to doubling their lead on 81 minutes through Prandelli – denied by a brilliant reflex save from Gentilini. Girolomoni’s side have no reason for regret, banking a valuable win that lifts them above San Giovanni and Murata in one fell swoop. Here is the full schedule for Matchday 9 of the Campionato Sammarinese, broadcast in full live streaming with Italian commentary on the Titani.tv platform.

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