Coppa Titano, first-leg semi-finals end goalless

The first midweek round of March served up the first legs of the two semi-finals of the 2025-26 Coppa Titano. Still in the hunt for the trophy – and the resulting qualification for the next UEFA Conference League – are Tre Fiori, Virtus, La Fiorita and Juvenes Dogana. While the first two are still competing on two fronts, also involved in the title race together with Tre Penne, the sides coached by Ceci and Boldrini have no alternative to victory in the cup or in the league play-offs if they are to secure qualification for European competition.

At the Ezio Conti in Dogana it was Virtus versus Tre Fiori, the current joint leaders in the league. The opening spell favoured Girolomoni’s side, with the coach back in charge on the Tre Fiori bench. Passaniti was already decisive against Bernardi after just 38 seconds, tipping behind a venomous angled strike from the forward. Virtus replied through a Scappini header, well kept out by Nardi. Both teams played on the front foot, serving up an open, entertaining contest: on 15 minutes Sami tried his luck from mid-range, drawing a save from Passaniti. At the other end in black and green, Scappini was the main threat: on 24 minutes, from a Buonocunto corner, he met it with his head at the near post and was denied by the crossbar. Shortly after the half-hour mark, Passaniti produced another outstanding save – this time brilliant in blocking Prandelli’s close-range effort. Mild protests from Tre Fiori for a coming together in the box between Battistini and Bernardi accompanied the 0-0 scoreline into the break. In the second half the defences found their shape against the more inventive players, limiting the main chances to set-piece situations – although neither Passaniti nor Nardi were called upon to make defining saves. At least until the 72nd minute when, from a Buonocunto dead ball, Piscitella set himself for a volley from the edge of the box, forcing a stop from the former Cesena and Santarcangelo goalkeeper. There was nothing more of note in the remaining twenty minutes: the second leg will be decisive in separating Virtus and Tre Fiori and, should that also end level, the tie will go to extra time and, if needed, penalties.

At the same time in Acquaviva, La Fiorita hosted Juvenes Dogana. The first clear chance fell to the Serravalle club: Aprea skipped past two opponents in tight space and forced Vivan into heroics to keep out a right-footed effort destined for the bottom corner. Aside from that promising start, chances were few and far between. Before the interval Juvenes Dogana threatened again through Aprea, who opted to seek a difficult first-time assist from the heart of the area instead of going for goal himself. After the restart Juvenes Dogana continued to look the more incisive, creating shooting opportunities for Lisi and Amadori – both without reward. Around the hour mark La Fiorita finally came into the game with attempts from Dormi and Affonso, which failed to trouble Davide Colonna. Different, however, was the opportunity carved out by Boldrini’s side down the Gianmaria Borghini-Lisi channel: the former Faetano midfielder chose a right-footed outside-of-the-boot finish one-on-one with Vivan, who came out decisively to block. Soon after, there was a potential chance for Semprini, who was put off as he arrived at the far post. After three minutes of added time, the Acquaviva clash also finished goalless. The outcome will be decided in the return leg, scheduled for 18 March.

These are the results of the first legs of the 2025-26 Coppa Titano Semi-finals: