Futsal World Cup, National Team in Albania: debut against Latvia tomorrow

San Marino’s futsal national team has officially kicked off its World Cup campaign. Fully aware of the high level of difficulty in the group – on average considerably higher than that faced in European qualifying – Roberto Osimani is ready to lead the Titani in the first step on the road towards the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028.

There are two confirmed absentees in the Biancoazzurri squad: Danilo Busignani and Mattia Protti. The former has been unable to travel with his team-mates to Albania, while the latter will be available again once he has served the suspension resulting from the red card he received two years ago in Austria. As a result, 21-year-old Jacopo Pazzini is in line for a starting place against Latvia. Alongside him, Osimani has repeatedly tested Pasqualini in the role of centre, with Maiani and Moretti operating out wide, while alternating Ercolani and De Angelis as pivot. Regardless of who starts, it will be essential – as always – to have contributions from everyone across the full 40 minutes of playing time.

Making their first appearance on the international stage, Chezzi, Chiaruzzi and Verri are also dreaming of their senior debuts: it remains to be seen whether that will happen as early as tomorrow, when San Marino face what Osimani himself has described as their toughest opponents. Latvia, coached by Bellarte and strong favourites to top the group, will inaugurate the Titani’s Albanian campaign tomorrow at 13:00. In the meantime, the host association has announced that all matches will be broadcast live and free of charge on the official FSHF YouTube channel (click here).