National Team: Stefanelli’s shot off the post not enough in 0-0 draw with Seychelles

In the end the match was played at the San Marino Stadium. The Titani fought to the very last, but it finished 0-0 once again. This time, though, the draw has a different taste, because Costantini and his players knew they could do well and take something more from the game. The friendly against Seychelles ends goalless, with the Titani taking the initiative as planned but unable to find the decisive touch. Costantini had to do without key players such as Nanni, Berardi and Rinaldi. The San Marino coach went with a 3-5-2, with Ceccaroli supporting captain Vitaioli. On 6 minutes the first attempt came from Seychelles through Labrosse, a right-footed effort off target with Benedettini covering the angle. The Titani’s reply was not long in coming: Grandoni’s corner found its way into the box, but from close range Fabbri could not get the decisive touch, drawing applause from the Stadium. A few minutes later, a cross from D’Addario turned into a shot and goalkeeper Michel had to get a hand to it to turn it behind for a corner. San Marino enjoyed long spells of possession, while Seychelles sat back and tried to exploit their pace on the counter. The hosts put together a nice move down the left, with Mularoni’s cross for Vitaioli, who tried to twist his body to get a header away, but the Seychelles backline cleared. The visitors also threatened with a good header from Ravigna that just cleared the bar. On 44 minutes Mularoni won a free-kick in the final third, Vitaioli had a go but his shot was blocked by the wall. From the continuation of the move, right on the stroke of half-time before the Slovenian referee Smajc’s whistle, a huge chance fell to Vitaioli, who struck from distance; the goalkeeper parried, but on the rebound Mularoni was unable to turn it into the net. The first half ended goalless, with the Titani enjoying almost 60% of the ball. At the break, Costantini made his first change, with Stefanelli coming on for Grandoni and Ceccaroli moving out to the left flank. The Pennarossa forward was immediately involved, getting on the end of a ball played from the final third into the area but unable to bring it under control at the key moment. Five minutes later, however, came a huge scoring opportunity for the Titani, again with Stefanelli meeting a cross from the left by Ceccaroli and heading goalwards, only to see his effort come back off the inside of the post at the bottom corner. On the hour mark there was also a senior debut for Alessandro Tosi, who replaced Vitaioli. A minute later, San Marino won a corner: first Golinucci was unable to finish amid the scramble, then the newly introduced Fabio Tomassini, from outside the box, saw his shot deflected by the Seychelles defence. The two substitutes Stefanelli and Tomassini were involved again shortly afterwards: the first backheeled into the path of the second on the edge of the area, Tomassini advanced and pulled the trigger but failed to hit the target (68'). Seychelles also showed themselves in attack early in the second half, when Ravigna’s effort from inside the area finished close to Benedettini’s post, sending a shiver down the Titani’s spines. Shortly after the indication of added time, Hirsch – who had come on for D’Addario – teed up Dante Rossi on the edge of the box; having stepped out from the back line, he unleashed a powerful effort from distance that flew over to applause from the Stadium. After just over three minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew for full time. From tomorrow, focus turns to Estonia and Monday’s upcoming Nations League fixture.  

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International Friendly | San Marino–Seychelles 0-0   SAN MARINO Benedettini; Palazzi, Rossi, Fabbri; Grandoni (46' Stefanelli), Mularoni (82' D. Tomassini), Mi. Battistini, A. Golinucci (86' Lunadei), D'Addario (82' Hirsch); Ceccaroli (59' F. Tomassini), Vitaioli (59' Tosi). Substitutes: Manzaroli, Simoncini, E. Golinucci, Zafferani, Franciosi, Pancotti. Coach: Fabrizio Costantini   SEYCHELLES Michel; Madeleine, Fanchette, Marie, Mathiot (78' Manoo), Suzette (78' Molle); Ravigna, Labrosse, Nourrice (83' Mothe), Confiance (60' Waye-Hive); Henriette. Substitute: Mussard Coach: Vivian Both       Referee: David Smajc (SVN) Assistant referees: David Gabrovec (SVN), Aleksandar Kasapovic (SVN) Fourth official: Alessandro Vandi (ITA)   Booked: 36' Mi. Battistini; 19' Nourrice, 90' Labrosse Attendance: 367    

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