League: play-off blow struck by Juvenes-Dogana as San Giovanni climb

It was Juvenes-Dogana and San Giovanni who emerged as the big winners in the early fixtures of Matchday 17 of the Campionato Sammarinese. Just like Virtus and Tre Fiori, who both lived up to expectations in their respective outings against Domagnano and San Marino Academy, the sides coached by Fabbri and Tognacci banked three crucial points. What weighed decisively on Libertas’ defeat was the red card shown to Osayande on 29 minutes, which left the Granata a man down for over an hour. Juvenes-Dogana, who had already gone close through Tumidei, found the winning goal on 77 minutes thanks to captain Cevoli, quick to pounce and resolve a goalmouth scramble in the opposition area. It was straightforward for Virtus, who beat Domagnano and consolidated their lead at the top, moving temporarily six points clear of La Fiorita. Benincasa broke the deadlock, making the most of Tortori’s through ball at the end of a prolonged passing move on the deck from Bizzotto’s men. The second bore the signature of Lombardi, teed up on the edge of the box by the ever-influential Buonocunto. On an otherwise perfect night for the Neroverdi, there was the blot of Tortori’s dismissal midway through the second half. Despite pushing their line higher, Domagnano were unable to get back into it and ended up conceding a third, via a powerful header from Gori. For the Wolves, Colonna once again showed his excellent form: the San Marino keeper produced at least two sensational saves, both to deny Tortori. Equally impressive was the performance of his counterpart and compatriot Simone Benedettini, who shared with the Domagnano keeper the same unhappy outcome in terms of result. Fiorentino began and finished the game on the front foot, but in between there was so much, perhaps too much, San Giovanni. Tognacci’s men claimed a high-profile victory, their first of 2025, with a majestic display. Taking top billing was Augusto Garcia Rufer, who went close to a wonder goal in the first half before finally breaking the deadlock after the restart. The 2-0 was a moment of magic from Boldrini: a right-footed strike from distance of incredible power, unstoppable for Benedettini. In Dogana Tre Fiori had no problems, scoring twice in each half. The way Bernardi opened the scoring was extraordinary, crafting a delightful lob from near the by-line to loop the ball over the towering Alessandro Casadei. It was not the Academy keeper’s best evening, as he also – albeit unwillingly – contributed to Ericchiello’s 3-0. In between came the second from Manfroni, perfectly timed in his run and clinical with a first-time left-footed volley. On 77 minutes Benedettini rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot. It is a midweek round to forget quickly for the Biancazzurrini, who on Saturday will face Fiorentino in Montecchio. Here is the full programme for Matchday 17 of the 2024-25 Campionato Sammarinese, with all fixtures available live via streaming and on-demand on the Titani.TV platform. Click here for the updated standings.

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