National Team: only a goal missing for the Titani as Saint Kitts & Nevis hold out for a draw

The San Marino National Team create plenty of chances again in their second friendly against Saint Kitts and Nevis, but the Caribbean side hold out until the end. The match at the San Marino Stadium ends goalless, with Cevoli’s men fashioning several clear-cut chances – especially in the first half – without finding the decisive touch. Compared to last Wednesday’s game, there is just one change made by the Titani coach, who brings in Dante Rossi at the back in place of Marco Pasolini. The match kicks off in a heavy downpour which makes life difficult in possession for both teams. The first warning shot comes from the Titani: Tosi picks out Nanni with a vertical pass, the striker looks to push through but the Caribbean defence clear; on the loose ball Berardi also has a go, but Molina’s team stand firm. The Titani grow into the game and seconds later there is another chance thanks to the excellent work of the Biancoazzurri front pairing: Nanni serves Berardi superbly, he strikes hard at the near post but Archibald produces a fine reflex save to keep his side level. San Marino keep pushing: midway through the half there is a long ball for Nanni, who breaks away well and, once inside the box, tries to curl it across goal with his right foot, but again Archibald is there. It is still only Cevoli’s side making the running, with Nanni having another try from distance, but Saint Kitts shut up shop. The Sugar Boyz also try to show themselves with a cross from Sterling-James, well delivered into the middle, but Colombo clears the danger. The biggest chance for the hosts arrives ten minutes from the break, when Contadini finds Berardi with an excellent through ball; one-on-one with Archibald, he opts for power over placement and fires over. In stoppage time San Marino threaten from a dead ball as well: Capicchioni’s corner finds Nanni in the area, he tries to head goalwards but cannot hit the target. The Titani are missing only the goal and the sides go in at half-time at 0-0. At the start of the second half San Marino come out quickly again and, just before the hour mark, create another chance as Contadini pulls the ball back from the by-line for Berardi, who shoots with power and precision, the ball flashing just wide of the post with Archibald rooted to the spot this time. Saint Kitts and Nevis look to respond through Sterling-James who, after a good piece of dribbling, tries his luck from outside the box, but his effort sails well wide. The Nevisian forward – his side’s main threat – is involved again as he forces Colombo into action with a well-struck free-kick, but the Rimini goalkeeper punches clear. Cevoli makes his first substitutions on 70 minutes, with Pancotti and Lazzari coming on for Berardi and Contadini. The game drifts towards its closing stages. The Stadium urges on Cevoli’s men, but the Caribbean side hold firm. Five minutes of added time are signalled. Molina also replaces two of his players and the clock keeps ticking. San Marino launch a final assault but cannot find the breakthrough. The second friendly against Saint Kitts & Nevis thus ends 0-0.

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International friendly | San Marino–Saint Kitts and Nevis 0-0 SAN MARINO Colombo; Rossi, Fabbri, Cevoli; D'Addario (from 87' Ma. Battistini), A. Golinucci, Capicchioni (from 87' E. Golinucci), Contadini (from 68' Lazzari), Tosi; Nanni (from 90'+3 Vitaioli), Berardi (from 68' Pancotti) Substitutes: Amici, Franciosi, Valentini, Pasolini, Sensoli, Mularoni, Grandoni Head coach: Roberto Cevoli   SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS Archibald; Cooney, Freeman, Roberts, Hanley; Somersall (57' Bennett), Lewis, Kelly (from 90'+2 Springer); Sterling-James, Panayiotou (from 90'+2 Matthew), Thomas (from 75' Edwards) Substitutes: Trotman, Parke, Terrell, Vanterpool, Hamilton Head coach: Francisco Molina   Referee: Désirée Grundbacher (SUI) Assistants: Matthias Sbrissa (SUI), Pascal Hirzel (SUI) Fourth official: William Villa (SMR)   Booked: Freeman, Panayiotou, Lewis; Nanni, Cevoli, Capicchioni Attendance: 473 spectators

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