Futsal: Virtus up to 2nd, big wins for Cailungo and Faetano

While waiting for leaders Murata, who take to the Acquaviva court this evening at 22:00 against Pennarossa, Virtus in one go overtake Tre Penne to move into second place and climb to within just one point of the summit. In last night’s fixtures, valid for the 23rd round of the futsal league, the Neroverdi came out on top (5-3) against La Fiorita in a match that was closely fought for long spells. In the indoor clash in Acquaviva, Michelotti’s side opened the scoring through Morini but were pegged back by Chezzi. Pasqualini restored the Neroverdi’s lead, but after the restart Cecchini levelled again. There was another exchange of blows between Cevoli and Cecchini, but in the closing minutes goals from Morini and Pasqualini sealed the result in Virtus’ favour. In stoppage time, Chezzi also missed a penalty which might have brought La Fiorita back into it. Acquaviva’s club can celebrate a fourth consecutive win. La Fiorita’s run is halted: they remain fourth, but Pennarossa this evening – with a positive result against Murata – could close in on Pietrangeli’s men. Virtus’ rise to second is also thanks to Tre Penne’s draw, their second in a row, as they were held in Dogana by Domagnano in the only stalemate of the night. Gasperoni’s side took the lead through Hidri, answered by Cola later in the first half. The scoreline stayed that way to the end, slightly improving Domagnano’s situation – winless in three and stuck in ninth place.

Precious, crucial wins in the playoff race for Cailungo and Faetano, who last night got the better of Cosmos and Fiorentino respectively. Venerucci’s Rossoverdi scored in each half thanks to a brace from Elia Sarti, earning a second win in their last three and moving up to 10th. Faetano, by contrast, halt a poor run with a narrow victory that keeps them firmly in the playoff zone (11th place). In Fiorentino, Selva’s side struck early through Rossi, but Screti’s Rossoblù equalised after the break via Ceccaroli. The decisive goal arrived shortly afterwards, signed by Luca Fortunati.

Folgore also win, showing they are in good form by claiming a second straight victory with a 4-2 over Libertas. It was the Granata who broke the deadlock in Fiorentino through Selva, but Ercolani made it all square shortly before half-time. Early in the second half Muccioli converted a penalty to put Folgore in front, then the dismissal of Granata goalkeeper Amati made Libertas’ task more complicated. Zonzini’s team did not capitalise on the power-play, but did eventually score through Ottaviani, only for Giorgetti to reply soon after and reduce the arrears. Folgore’s insurance goal came three minutes from time through Casali. Zonzini’s side remain solidly in sixth place, while Libertas are stuck in 12th (the last spot that grants access to the playoffs) and must watch their backs with Tre Fiori closing in.

There was also a resounding win last night for the Gialloblù, who at the Multieventi handed San Giovanni a comprehensive 9-0 defeat. Tre Fiori struck early with thunderbolts from Marinelli and Macina, and the latter soon made it three after finishing off an excellent team move from a Podeschi assist. Marinelli took centre stage again for Tre Fiori’s fourth, unleashing another powerful right-footed drive that left Manzaroli no chance. Shortly before the interval there was room for Tre Fiori’s fifth, a deft right-footed finish in the area by Severi. After the restart, San Giovanni pushed forward more, as evidenced by Severi’s early goal: he intercepted a pass from Edoardo Podeschi intended for captain Volpinari and, with the goal unguarded, made it 6-0. Even more remarkable was Tre Fiori’s seventh, scored by their goalkeeper Agostini directly from his own area – with Manzaroli caught badly out of position. Pelliccioni also joined the rout, finishing after a neat one-two with Maiani, who then added his own name to the scoresheet a minute later with a tap-in for the final 9-0.

Awaiting tonight’s already mentioned late fixture between Pennarossa and Murata (Acquaviva Sports Hall, 22:00), below is the partial schedule for matchday 23 of the league: