San Marino U15 hit four in emphatic 4–1 win over Andorra

A day to remember in the second round of the UEFA Under-15 Development Tournament currently taking place in Malta. After the penalty shoot-out defeat to the hosts, Vanni’s young Biancazzurri bounced back in style in their match against Andorra two days ago. In less than two minutes, San Marino were already in front thanks to a Mattei header, converting a set-piece delivery from De Biagi. The Titani fully justified their lead by constantly pushing forward, making the most of Gualandi’s energy. As the minutes went by, the Pyreneans also began to show, but they lacked accuracy in the final third. San Marino took advantage by breaking in transition, with De Biagi striking the post on 20 minutes. Andorra worked their way back into the game through Ber and Sousa, but the Biancazzurri back line held firm in the box and took the lead safely into half-time.

San Marino also made a blistering start to the second half. This time it took less than a minute for Vanni’s side to double their advantage. Gualandi burst into the area and squared for Rosati, who made it 2–0 with a right-footed diagonal finish. Andorra were rocked, and goalkeeper Vignali did not give them any lifeline in their attempts to get back into it, getting his gloves to Sousa’s rare effort. San Marino were far more incisive, going close to a third through Mattei before finally making it 3–0 on 80 minutes from a long-range free-kick by Cola, which went all the way through the box untouched and into the net. Two minutes later the Pyreneans grabbed a consolation from the spot, awarded after a scrappy action in the San Marino area: Sousa was clinical from eleven metres. The Biancazzurrini reacted superbly, opting for aggression rather than simply managing their two-goal cushion, and were rewarded with their fourth in the 86th minute, Mattei setting up Cola to seal the win and his personal brace. A sparkling victory for San Marino, who move on to four points from two games, while Andorra remain on zero. Malta (5) lead the standings, one point clear thanks to their shoot-out win over the Titani, while Liechtenstein stay on three points after losing to the hosts.

UEFA Development Tournament Under 15 | San Marino-Andorra 4-1

SAN MARINO

Vignali, Ricci (66’ Bonci), Frisoni, Rosati (66’ Gobbi), Celli (46’ Pignatiello), Mattei, Gualandi (57’ Castelli), Berardinelli (80’ Ugolini), De Biagi (57’ Selva), Cola, Grandoni (46’ Francioni)

Substitutes: Morri, Taddei

Head coach: Ettore Vanni

ANDORRA

Caballol, Vidal, Santamaria (63’ Foraneva), Boixareu (63’ Uvaldo), Rossell (46’ Heras), Casals (46’ Alvarez), Ber (63’ Ledent), Gonzalez, Sousa, Mas (46’ Perez), Areny

Substitute: Fernandez

Coach: Ion Rodriguez

Scorers: 2’ Mattei, 46’ Rosati, 80’ and 86’ Cola, 82’ (p) Sousa

Booked: Areny, Casals, Gualandi, Berardinelli, Pignatiello