Futsal: three matchdays to find the sixth play-off qualifier

The race is all but decided, in terms of qualification for the championship post-season, as far as San Marino futsal is concerned. The battle for third place in Group B remains open, even though Tre Fiori and La Fiorita have already sealed their places as the group’s representatives in the play-offs. Pennarossa, Virtus and Cosmos are still mathematically in contention, even if the recent 2-2 draw between Pollini’s and Canducci’s sides has strengthened Pennarossa’s position – despite their comeback defeat to La Fiorita in the last round. San Marino’s runners-up are the next hurdle for Virtus, who must win to avoid virtually handing Pennarossa the place – with the latter expected to prevail in their clash with bottom side Faetano. Casadei’s men also hold the edge in the head-to-head record, which would see them move four points clear with two games left if they beat Faetano (Acquaviva, 21:45) and Virtus lose to La Fiorita (Fiorentino, 21:45). Cosmos will take on leaders Tre Fiori in Fiorentino (20:15) with the clear need to get a positive result. Their three-point deficit from third place could double in the event of defeat, diminishing the importance of next week’s head-to-head with Pennarossa – a game that would have an entirely different flavour if the Gialloverdi manage the feat of beating the Fiorentino club. On the other hand, finishing top of the regular season table offers significant advantages: Boschi and his team-mates know this well and have no intention of opening the door to a La Fiorita comeback (-5) in the final 180 minutes, which would be nothing short of sensational. Folgore sit out this round in Group A which, unlike the other pool, will have one extra matchday. This is due to the uneven number of teams split across the two groups. It is an opportunity for Fiorentino to move within three points of the summit, provided they get the better of bottom side Cailungo. In addition, next Monday brings the direct clash between Folgore and Fiorentino: the reverse fixture ended 4-1 to the current leaders. But if the Rossoblù were to pull off a stunning victory by four clear goals, starting from the essential win in tomorrow night’s match in Dogana (21:45), it could be Michelotti’s team who dethrone Folgore. Even if only temporarily, at least on paper: in fact, Pasqualini and his team-mates will sit out the 21st and final matchday of the regular season, when Folgore will face San Giovanni. Outcomes are therefore almost settled, with Domagnano unable to catch Fiorentino and potentially within reach only of San Giovanni. Just a single point against Libertas (Acquaviva, 20:15) will be enough for Mussoni’s side to wrap things up for good. At the same time, San Giovanni will have to beat Juvenes-Dogana (Dogana, 20:15) and hope for a big result from the Granata. Here is the complete schedule for Matchday 18 of the 2021-22 Campionato Sammarinese di futsal:

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