Futsal: top positions sealed, four teams chasing the last two play-off spots

Awaiting the late fixture at the Multieventi, which this evening will pit Pennarossa and La Fiorita against each other – both already assured of a place in the post-season and with no chance of improving their league position – it is already possible to draw an almost definitive assessment of the regular season. At least as far as the top half of the table is concerned. Another resounding win for Fiorentino, who recently smashed through the 200-goal mark and again proved an unplayable opponent, this time for Cosmos. Michelotti’s men, who in just over ten days’ time will contest the Titano Futsal Cup final against Folgore (2 May, 21:45 – Multieventi), hit double figures thanks to braces from Moretti, Busignani, Zafferani and Ercolani. Completing the rout were strikes from Ceccoli, Cevoli and Maiani which – together with the yellow-and-green consolation goal from Bologna from the penalty spot – sealed Fiorentino’s 11-1 victory. Folgore also bounce back after the 7-0 defeat to Fiorentino at the start of the week. Spada’s side hit five past Domagnano, going in three goals up at half-time thanks to Villa’s own goal and further finishes from Pasqualini and Iuliani. The latter doubled his personal tally at the start of the second half, before Davide Dolcini scored Domagnano’s only goal of the night. The final word, however, belonged to Ercolani, on target in the 49th minute for Folgore’s definitive 5-1 success. Five goals also for Tre Fiori, long since certain of third place in the league and victorious against Faetano – bottom of the table and out of the running for the play-offs. Bugli’s men broke the deadlock through Zanotti, who got his name on the scoresheet before Cecchini. The young San Marino pivot then completed his brace after the restart, with Gasperoni and Casadei rounding off the manita. However, it is the race for the final play-off berths that is taking centre stage in these closing stages of the regular season. Four teams are separated by just three points and Cailungo’s win in the head-to-head with Murata gives the Rossoverdi a lifeline to play for in the final round, against Tre Fiori. Riera’s 28th-minute goal decided the contest with the Bianconeri, who hold on to 11th place in the table but run the risk of being caught on the final matchday by Cailungo – who are ahead on head-to-head results. An unappealable defeat for Cellarosi’s men who, being the side on the bye in the last round of the regular season, are now entirely dependent on what happens elsewhere. The issue of play-off qualification could even be decided on goal difference. As things stand, alongside Murata at the Preliminary Round would be Tre Penne. Level with San Giovanni on 17 points, Galli’s side currently boast a better goals for and against record, with a five-goal advantage over Gualtieri’s team. Over the season, both league meetings between the two finished 4-3, with one win apiece. In light of all this, San Giovanni are left with huge regrets after leading three times in the derby that Libertas turned around in their favour in the final two minutes. The Rossoneri were in front 3-2 in the 59th minute, before paying dearly for Volpinari’s own goal, which dealt a psychological blow to San Giovanni. That was borne out by the goals from Mazza and Taddei, who scored in the 60th minute and in stoppage time respectively. Earlier, strikes from Giglietti, Zonzini and Volpinari had raised San Giovanni’s hopes, only for them to be pegged back twice by as many goals from Taddei – who completed a hugely significant hat-trick on the Dogana artificial surface to seal a 5-3 win. A result that plays into Tre Penne’s hands, despite their defeat to Juvenes-Dogana. The Biancocelesti also succumbed to a comeback, after taking the lead through Dinatale – on target in the 23rd minute. Before the break, Borasco restored parity, and from midway through the second half the scoreline swung in favour of Claudio Zonzini’s men thanks to a goal from his namesake Alessandro. Late on, Murato put the game to bed, confirming Juvenes-Dogana in seventh place. In terms of play-off qualification, even a win over Tre Fiori might not be enough for Cailungo. Should Tre Penne and San Giovanni also take maximum points – their final opponents being Folgore and Virtus respectively – it would be Galli’s and Gualtieri’s sides who make the cut at the expense of the Rossoverdi and Murata. A three-way tie for 12th place cannot be ruled out, in which case the final slot for the Preliminary Round would be assigned via a mini-league. Under Article 53 of the Regulations, this scenario would favour San Giovanni over Tre Penne and Cailungo. Here is the situation after the early fixtures of the 29th matchday of the Campionato Sammarinese di futsal:

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