Coppa Titano, the final between Virtus and Tre Fiori on Saturday

The Coppa Titano final between Virtus and Tre Fiori will be played this Saturday at 20:45 at the San Marino Stadium, bringing the 2024-25 season to its customary close. Both teams are already assured of a place in Europe, with the Acquaviva club heading to the Champions League thanks to their league title, while Tre Fiori – despite defeat in the league play-offs – are already guaranteed a spot in the Conference League alongside La Fiorita.

The two sides come into the oldest trophy in San Marino football in completely contrasting form. The Acquaviva team, coached by Luigi Bizzotto, have not played any official matches since clinching the league title at the end of April. It is a different story for the Fiorentino club, led by Danilo Girolomoni, who reached the final of the play-offs against La Fiorita – then lost – less than a week ago.

“The team comes into this game in good shape,” Bizzotto explained at today’s press conference at the Stadium. “The fact that we have been inactive for about a month does represent a question mark for us, though. Compared to last year we have changed some things in terms of organisation and training. The group is ready.”

While Virtus have been idle for several weeks, Girolomoni’s Tre Fiori have already played over 40 matches this season. “We have played a lot,” said the Gialloblù coach. “We are a team that has gone all the way in every competition. That has obviously led to physical and mental fatigue, as well as injuries. The positive side is that we have more rhythm than our opponents.”

If Virtus lift the trophy, the Neroverdi would have every piece of silverware in their cabinet – having already won the league in April and the Super Cup at the start of the season. Bizzotto, however, does not feel under pressure: “I am very calm, and I try to pass that on to the lads. We know we have a great opportunity; we want to fight until the end and bring home a trophy that has a special flavour for us. Our journey really started in 2023 with winning the Coppa Titano.”

While Bizzotto has already won and contested several finals in San Marino, for Girolomoni this is a first. “It is special to play this kind of match; every coach would like to lift at least one trophy in their career. I come into this final with a great group and after an excellent journey together. Step by step we have raised the bar and now we are here playing for something important. A win would be the icing on the cake. We are facing a very strong side who dominated the league.”

From the dugout to the pitch, Virtus defender Roberto Sabato was also present at the press conference: “Having wrapped up the league title, which was our main objective, allows us to approach this final with greater composure. We still want to finish with the cup and have all three trophies in our cabinet. We are up against a strong team like Tre Fiori, who have already secured Europe and will probably play with less pressure. It will be an open game.”

The final between Virtus and Tre Fiori will also pit a solid defence like the Neroverdi’s against one of the best attacks of the season. The Gialloblù come into the match with the striking duo of Tommaso Leon Bernardi (19 goals) and Matteo Prandelli (23 in total), who spoke about his feelings ahead of the final at the press conference.

“Our main strength, Prandelli said, “right from the start of the year has been the group. Everyone has put in the effort and worked well together. Everyone’s contribution has allowed both me and Tommaso to achieve great things this season. We could be one of the weapons that can really hurt Virtus, a team that concedes very little.”

The date is therefore set for Saturday 24 May at 20:45 at the San Marino Stadium (free admission) for the Coppa Titano final, which will also be broadcast live via streaming on Titani.tv with full commentary.