Futsal: Virtus v Pennarossa the main event of the day

The San Marino Futsal Championship has entered the home straight: the final third of the regular season offers up a clash with a play-off flavour, very much a taster of the Titano Futsal Cup semi-finals. On the horizon is Virtus v Pennarossa, currently the most credible challengers to Murata for the title – together with La Fiorita, who are however going through a dip in form. The competition format makes it equally crucial to finish the regular season either first or second. Second place is exactly what Michelotti’s and Novembrini’s teams will be contesting, with the Biancorossi four points ahead in the table. The match is scheduled immediately after Cailungo v Tre Penne, again in Dogana. The Rossoverdi have won three of their last four games, while Penserini’s men have done even better – matching the recent form of leaders Murata. Instead, it will be Fiorentino v Libertas to open tomorrow evening’s programme at the "Federico Crescentini" in Fiorentino. It’s a chance to get back to winning ways for Galli’s side, up against the team at the bottom of the table – the Granata are the only side to have done worse than the reigning champions over the last five outings. On the same court, but from 21:45, it will then be the turn of La Fiorita and Tre Fiori. Pellegrini and his team-mates are clear favourites, despite coming into the match with only three points from their last four games. Tre Fiori, in eleventh place, have recently halted a poor run by beating Juvenes-Dogana. While Levani’s men will have to wait another week to try and bounce back, San Giovanni can do so immediately – up against an in-form Cosmos in the only game scheduled in Domagnano (21:15). The Gialloverdi have strung together three wins after a couple of draws: a run that has allowed Muccioli’s side to pull away in seventh place, a comfortable mid-table limbo with a gap of -13 to the team above and +5 to the one below. Franchino’s men will certainly want to make amends for the débâcle against Virtus and show their true worth on the pitch. There are two fixtures postponed, split between Tuesday and Wednesday, both at 21:45. First up chronologically is Folgore v Faetano, to be played at the Acquaviva Sports Hall. Both come into it on the back of four consecutive defeats and will be looking to turn the corner. This applies especially to the Gialloblù, who have slipped dangerously to -8 from twelfth place. The grand finale, scheduled for Wednesday at the Multieventi, will feature Domagnano and Murata. The Giallorossi, outsiders on paper, will look to counter the leaders’ outstanding quality – not by chance packed with many National Team players – with organisation, determination and high pressing. Click here for the updated standings.

---