U19s, brave display not enough to avoid defeat against Macedonia

The campaign of the Under-19 National Team in Skopje (North Macedonia) for the UEFA European Championship qualifying group ends in defeat. Loris Bonesso’s Titani went down 2-0 to the hosts, but fought until the very end in search of a valuable and deserved equaliser. The Macedonians start strongly, with Tasov crossing for Trajkov, but the San Marino backline, through Zavoli, clears for a corner. Macedonia press, but in the 12th minute San Marino respond: Renzi is fouled and from the resulting free-kick he sends a long ball for Guerra, who then shoots at goal, only for opposing goalkeeper Tasev to hold his fine effort. The hosts reply shortly afterwards through Chilafi, who takes on Gasperoni and shoots towards the far post, the ball drifting just wide. San Marino do not give in and moments later Famiglietti tries to catch the opposing defence out as they struggle to play out from the back, but Bonesso’s striker comes out of a heavy challenge with just a knock and stays down for a few minutes. On the half-hour mark, Trajkov produces an excellent piece of athleticism on a cross from Chajani, the ball finishing just wide. San Marino are not just spectators: a nice exchange between Gasperoni and Renzi ends with a shot from the latter, who however fails to hit the target. Shortly afterwards comes the goal that breaks the deadlock, with Gjorgievski’s shot deflected by Trajkov for the 1-0 lead. The first half ends with North Macedonia one goal to the good. At the start of the second half the Macedonians go very close to doubling their advantage again through Trajkov, but from close range the forward sends the ball over the bar. The Titani try to respond in the 57th minute with a Renzi free-kick from deep towards Valli Casadei, who attempts the finish, but the Macedonian defence holds firm. The hosts, still without a point in the group, push for the goal that would settle their nerves: this time Trajkov turns provider and sets up substitute Nazifi, who connects superbly on the volley, but Battistini is just as brilliant and denies the second goal. The Titani believe and push for the leveller: in the 67th minute, following a corner, Famiglietti turns well in the area and shoots, but the opposing goalkeeper again says no to the young Titano. Just a minute later San Marino threaten again: Marco Gasperoni wins a corner, the ball is delivered to the far post but neither Renzi nor Ciacci can find the target. The Titani pour forward in search of the equaliser, but time is running out and in stoppage time comes the cruel blow of the second goal for North Macedonia, scored in the 94th minute by Nazifi.  

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Under 19, 2023 European Qualifiers | San Marino–North Macedonia 0-2   SAN MARINO Battistini; Domeniconi (from 79' Caddy), Guerra (from 72' Vittori), Ciacci (from 72' Codispoti), Zavoli, S. Gasperoni (from 46' Riccardi); Molinari (from 72' Valentini), Valli Casadei, Renzi, M. Gasperoni; Famiglietti. Substitutes: Amici, Ugolini, Terenzi, Gualtieri. Coach: Loris Bonesso   NORTH MACEDONIA Tasev; Janevski, Serafimov, Chajani; Gjorgievski, Osmani (from 85' Bukji), Chilafi, Zenku; Tasov (from 72' Sofjianoski), Talevski (from 46' Nazifi), Trajkov Substitutes: Angelov, Pavleski, Mladenovski, Murati Coach: Nedjat Shabani   Referee: Rob Hennessy (IRL) Assistant referees: Eoin Michael Harte (IRL) and Turkka Joonas Valjakka (FIN) Fourth official: Mohammed Al-emara (FIN) Booked: Battistini, Molinari, Valli Casadei, M. Gasperoni, Famiglietti; Sofjanoski   Scorers: 36' Trajkov, 90'+4 Nazifi  

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