Under 14: San Marino overwhelm Malta 4-1

An authoritative and highly assured performance from the San Marino U14 national team, coached by Vanni in the first of two back-to-back friendlies against their Maltese peers. The young Biancazzurri needed just 30 seconds to break the deadlock, finding the net through a Montebelli-Aureli combination. The Titani youngsters underlined their superiority on the scoresheet with the volume and quality of their play. A driving run from Augusto Ceccoli led to the penalty that doubled the lead. Mazza was flawless from the spot, sending Micallef the wrong way with a right-footed effort on 21 minutes. The Maltese goalkeeper was then outstanding in denying Montebelli a third with a spectacular save in the top corner. The third San Marino goal also looked a formality when Augusto Ceccoli once again broke through, only to drag his diagonal effort wide. After the restart San Marino were lethal again in no time at all: a short back-pass from Miceli presented a golden chance to Aureli, who coolly sat Micallef down before firing home with his right foot. A brace for the Rimini forward, scoring at the start of both halves. Shortly afterwards, the Biancazzurri added a fourth. Augusto Ceccoli surged down the flank before cutting the ball back for the ever-dangerous Aureli, who made no mistake in turning in what was effectively a penalty in open play to complete his hat-trick. With the result virtually sealed and a flurry of substitutions, Malta adopted a more positive and daring approach, going close through Stefanovic on two occasions. His curling right-footed shot on 59 minutes went just wide, while his solo run on 63 minutes was superbly kept out by substitute goalkeeper Fabbri. In between came a good opportunity for Vella, who failed to hit the target from the heart of the area. Sciberras’ side grabbed a consolation goal in the final minute of normal time: a stunning free-kick from Busuttil, who found the top corner with a powerful and precise strike that left the blameless Fabbri with no chance. San Marino’s U14 National Team ran out deserved 4-1 winners in the first of two consecutive friendlies against Malta. The teams will meet again on Friday 24 May, once more at 15:30 at the Acquaviva Stadium. The match will be streamed live for free, with Italian commentary, on TITANI.TV.  

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International U14 Friendlies, Game 1 | San Marino-Malta 4-1   SAN MARINO R. Michelotti (from 52' Fabbri); M. Ceccoli (from 64' Amati), Prendi, Piergiacomi (from 64' Lepri); Monaldi (from 75' Achilli), A. Ceccoli, Mazza (from 52' L. Michelotti), Angelini (from 41' Della Balda), Montali (from 75' Borgelli); Montebelli (from 75' Testoni); Aureli (from 64' Gasperoni) Coach: Dario Vanni   MALTA Micallef (from 71' Mulholland); Miceli (from 46' Attard), Bonnici, Mangion; Gatt (from 55' Dullard), Aquilina (from 71' Zerafa), Busuttil, Galea (from 55' Higgans); Roe, Stevanovic, Buttigieg (from 55' Vella) Substitutes: Camenzuli, Hili, Grech Coach: Charles Sciberras   Referee: Laurentiu Ilie Assistants: Alessandro Salvatori and Salvatore Tuttifrutti Fourth official: Davide Borriello Scorers: 1', 41', 48' Aureli, 22' pen. Mazza, 80' Busuttil

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