Futsal: Faetano make and unmake, but edge San Giovanni 4-3 in the late fixture

In a first half dominated in terms of intensity and quality compared to San Giovanni, Faetano race into a 4-0 lead – but then risk throwing away a seemingly sealed victory in a second half in which Selva’s men take their foot off the gas far too early.

Barely underway and Faetano are already in front. After a spectacular save on Simone Fortunati, Manzaroli can do nothing about the friendly fire from Volpinari, who deflects with his shoulder a driven cross-shot from the same Faetano winger, looking for Rosa in the middle of the area. On 10 minutes the second arrives: Simone Rossi loses the ball in a dangerous area and his namesake Yuri makes it 2-0 with a precise side-footed finish. Onto the scoresheet then goes also Luca Fortunati, who bags the third midway through the half: an interception in midfield and a tap-in after Manzaroli’s initial one-on-one save. Selva’s side are in total control in the opening half hour, repeatedly going close to the 4-0, which eventually materialises deep into stoppage time: Yuri Rossi wins and takes a free-kick that skims along the ground into the bottom corner.

After the restart San Giovanni are called upon to react: Donati beats Rastelli from a dead ball, but Simone Fortunati is providential as he clears off the line with his thigh. The Rossoneri keep pushing and, after a couple of chances squandered by Gracik, get themselves back into the game through Donati, who applies a clinical finish to the best move of the match. The goal breathes new life into San Giovanni, who defend stoutly against Faetano’s counters and allow themselves to dream at the death. Having survived a 10-metre free-kick from Yuri Rossi, saved by Manzaroli, San Giovanni strike on 57 minutes from a corner routine finished by Gracik. A minute later, the combination between captain Volpinari and the same pivot opens the way for the 3-4 goal, authored by the highest-ranking of Palermino’s players. In the remaining three minutes plus stoppage time, however, the Rossoneri are unable to find an equaliser. Conversely, it’s an important win for Faetano, who move into the play-off zone – overtaking Cailungo.

Here is the current picture of Matchday 16: