Under-19s, historic 4-0 over Gibraltar for Bonesso’s boys

All true. Loris Bonesso’s Under-19 National Team defeated Gibraltar 4-0 in the second friendly played last night on British soil at the Victoria Stadium. And they did it in the best possible way, with a flawless, sumptuous performance. After the first match on Sunday, lost only at the end, there was a real sense of regret. Coach Bonesso kept faith with his boys, who earned genuine redemption in the best possible way. Beyond the win: four goals scored, none conceded, a hat-trick in just thirty minutes from Marco Gasperoni and a goal from practically the halfway line by Simone Santi in the second half. At the start, however, it is the hosts who control possession. But it does not last long because in the 13th minute Marco Gasperoni tenaciously exploits an error by centre-back Britto and looks to pounce; goalkeeper Victor makes a first save but on the rebound the young striker keeps his cool and puts the Titani in front. The goal is a shot of life for Bonesso’s boys, who push further forward. Shortly afterwards, in the 18th minute, there is another defensive error by Gibraltar centre-back Colton, who loses the ball. Sensoli pounces, and from a wide position opts to square it into the box for Marco Gasperoni, who is completely unmarked and beats Victor again, completing his brace and making it 2-0 to San Marino. The Gasperoni–Sensoli partnership continues to click, with a fine turn and finish from the latter that also ends up in the net, but the referee had already stopped play for offside. Jessop, scorer of a fine goal in the first match, tries to spark Gibraltar. One of his moves earns a corner from which, at point-blank range, Gomez somehow fails to hit the target. It counts for little, though, because on the half-hour – after a wonderful move – San Marino even stretch it to 3-0: Sensoli shows great tenacity to win the ball back high up, then plays in Santi who, on reaching the edge of the area, spots the perfect run of Marco Gasperoni, who is in irresistible form and finishes with a powerful, pinpoint right-footed strike, beating Victor for the third time and sealing his hat-trick. Emrani tries to rouse Gibraltar with a long-range effort towards the end of the half, but his shot is far too weak to trouble Battistini. The sides go in at the break with a remarkable 3-0 scoreline in favour of Bonesso’s boys.   The tempo remains high at the start of the second half and neither team holds back in the challenges. In the 53rd minute the newly introduced De Torres tries his luck from distance, but Battistini is once again alert and gathers. Shortly afterwards there is a long-range free-kick from Julian Soiza, but the Biancazzurri keeper watches it go wide without concern. Gibraltar also ring the changes – no fewer than seven substitutions in the first quarter of an hour – in an attempt to alter the course of the game. San Marino stand up well to the hosts’ attacks, with Battistini always assured. The minutes tick by and the match moves into the final quarter of an hour. It is in the 80th minute that Simone Santi, already on target in the first game, spots the goalkeeper off his line and shoots from just beyond the halfway mark, catching him out and making it an incredible 4-0, sparking wild celebrations from the whole group. It is the icing on the cake for Bonesso’s boys, who remain focused right to the end and are simply waiting for the final whistle. Then they can finally let out their joy, on an unforgettable and historic night for San Marino football.  

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  Friendly, Under-19 | Gibraltar–San Marino 0-4   GIBRALTAR Victor; Villa (46' Negron), Britto (69' Turrell), Colton (46' J. Soiza), Rodriguez (59' Buckley); Emrani (53' Huart Guerra), Gonzalez (46' De Torres), Stevens (85' Glynn), Gomez (46' J. Soiza), Jessop; Cawthorn (59' Caetano). Substitutes: Mifsud, Sciortino. Coach: Malcolm Martin   SAN MARINO Battistini; Ugolini (66' Terenzi), S. Gasperoni (74' Riccardi), Zafferani, Ciacci, Zavoli; Renzi (88' Casali), Valli Casadei (88' Molinari), Santi (88' Caddy); Sensoli (84' Tumidei), M. Gasperoni (66' Famiglietti). Substitutes: Amici, Lisi Coach: Loris Alessandro Bonesso   Referee: Seth Galia (GIB) Assistant referees: Michael Maria, Faustin Guerrero Fourth official: Jason Barcelo   Scorers: 13', 18', 29' M. Gasperoni, 80' Santi    

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