League, Russo fires La Fiorita into the final: Virtus beaten with ten men after the break

La Fiorita are the first finalists in the BKN301 Campionato Sammarinese play-offs. After the goalless draw in the first-leg semi-final against Virtus, Manfredini’s men need just five minutes to break the deadlock in the return. From a corner, Amati swings the ball to the far post where Russo makes his weight and height count and blasts his header past Stimac into the far corner. The former Faetano forward is the standout figure for La Fiorita in these play-offs. After the hat-trick that sank Juvenes-Dogana, the striker almost doubles his tally with a right-footed effort from distance that drifts just wide. Virtus show signs of life midway through the half and – like their opponents – score with their first real move. Giacomoni delivers a cross from deep and Angeli gets there with his head, but it is Greco just behind him who wrong-foots Vivan. The full-back’s friendly fire restores parity. A draw would be enough for the outgoing champions, but the forward runs of Grassi and Greco suggest different intentions. The episode that tilts the match arrives shortly before half-time: Amati nips in ahead of Golinucci in midfield and is wiped out by the San Marino midfielder, who is already on a booking. Andruccioli has no doubts and shows the second yellow card to the Virtus player, leaving his side down to ten for the whole of the second half. After the restart Bizzotto sacrifices Benincasa to bring on Ciacci, and it is the substitute who carves out a good chance on 51 minutes. His first touch on the edge of the box is outstanding and he sets himself perfectly to shoot, only for Arrigoni to produce a crucial block. At the other end Greco tries his luck from twenty yards, but his effort sails over the bar. The game swings decisively midway through the second half, as Virtus squander a great chance through Angeli while La Fiorita are ruthless. On 64 minutes Battistini intercepts a pass from Russo and releases Angeli, who is deemed onside. Inside the area, the forward unleashes a powerful but inaccurate right-footer. From the resulting goal-kick comes the move that puts the Montegiardino Gialloblù back in front. Fatica plays a direct ball through the middle, where Grassi gets in ahead of Giacomoni and sends Russo clean through – helped by the lack of cover from Sabato and Nodari. The striker gives Stimac no chance and all but books La Fiorita’s place in the play-off final, tucking away his fifth goal in his last three matches. Understandably, Virtus lose their shape, but in the closing stages they are unable to create chances to get back into it. In fact, the best opportunity to score again falls to Manfredini’s side, but Amati’s left-footed strike from mid-range is easily dealt with by Stimac. After four minutes of added time, La Fiorita can celebrate reaching the play-off final, where they will face the winner of the tie between Cosmos and Libertas. The Gialloverdi are strong favourites after their 2-0 win in the first leg and can even afford to lose by the same margin in tomorrow’s match, thanks to their better finish in the regular season compared to the Granata. The match will be broadcast in full live on TITANI.TV, with Italian commentary from 14:55.

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