Under-17: excellent performance from the Titani, edged out by North Macedonia

The San Marino Under-17 National Team go down by a single goal to their North Macedonia counterparts in their second qualifying match for the category European Championship, currently taking place in Trabzon, Turkey. The Macedonians start very aggressively, but the Titani coached by Bonesso quickly adapt to their opponents’ game. As a result, in the 3rd minute a good move between Ceccoli and Monaldi sees the latter feed Mazza on the edge of the area; the San Marino midfielder creates space for the shot and smashes a remarkable effort off the inside of the post. The Biancoazzurri keep pushing and increasingly threaten Macedonian goalkeeper Petrov. Isejni’s side only show themselves in the 19th minute, when Polimac looks to play in Veleski, but Piergiacomi’s intervention is crucial in averting danger. The Titani break again with a good counter-attack, but Mattei’s attempt is smothered by the defence. San Marino also try their luck from distance, as shown by Montebelli’s left-footed effort which flies just over. North Macedonia finish the half better, earning their first corner on 42 minutes without, however, creating any real threat. The sides go into the break with the score still goalless.

The Titani start the second half brighter and again go close to taking the lead: from Cola’s cross it is Mattei who tries to get the decisive touch, but he is inches away from making contact. North Macedonia react and a superb save from Ryan Michelotti on 56 minutes is needed to deny Ademi and keep the game level. However, the goal that decides the contest arrives just a few minutes later: a dangerous ball into the area from Polimac catches Jourdain off guard, Ristikj wins his duel with the San Marino centre-back and then beats Michelotti with a looping header. The goal galvanises the Macedonians, who look to kill the game off (64’) through Nikolov, who skips past Montali before shooting just wide. Isenji’s boys fail to find the insurance goal and so choose to manage their slender lead. Bonesso’s Titani still believe and, towards the end, carve out a golden chance for a potential equaliser. Baggiarini tries to lob the goalkeeper, but captain Masev comes to North Macedonia’s rescue and clears. San Marino push right to the final whistle but cannot find a way through. In the other match, the hosts Turkey also win, beating Hungary 4-0 to stay level on maximum points with North Macedonia. The third and final group match for the Titani is scheduled for Tuesday 17 at 12:00 against Hungary.

Euro U-17, Round 1 – Group 11, Matchday 2 | North Macedonia – San Marino 1-0

NORTH MACEDONIA (4-3-3)

Petrov; Iseini (46’ Krstevski); Masev, Akiki, Pavlov; Polimac (81’ Memedi), Bocheski, Ademi (68’ Sivevski); Veleski, Ristikj (81’ Aksentiev), Nikolov (77’ Nedanovski)

Substitutes: Memeti, Ibraimi, Gjorgjioski, Sedloski

Head coach: Ilami Isejni

SAN MARINO (3-4-2-1)

R. Michelotti; Prendi (86’ Ceccoli), Jourdain, Piergiacomi (86’ Frulli); Ceccoli (71’ Baggiarini), Cola, Mazza (74’ L. Michelotti), Montali; Monaldi (86 Renzi), Mattei; Montebelli

Substitutes: Ferri, Della Balda, Ricci, Achilli

Head coach: Alessandro Loris Bonesso

Referee: Ihar Shumilau (BLR)

Assistants: Maksim Arabei (BLR), Furkan Ürün (TUR)

Fourth official: Reşat Onur Coşkunses (TUR)

Booked: Pavlov, Krstevski

Scorer: 58’ Ristikj