Italy in the final with the AGLA-MEN

Italy is dreaming of climbing onto the top of Europe. The Azzurri of Roberto Menichelli won 4-3 (the same score as the quarter finals of the 2012 World Cup in Thailand) against Portugal and again had to comeback after being down 2-1. Italy, therefore, has improved on the third place achieved two years ago in Croatia and the opponent on Sunday, February 9th (20.30, live on Eurosport ) will be Russia, who beat holders Spain 4-3 after extra time. It interrupts the Iberian domination that has endured since Ostrava 2005 with four consecutive championships. For Italy it is the third continental final after a 1-0 win over Ukraine in 2003 in Caserta and the 3-1 defeat in Porto in 2007, at the hands of Spain. For the Russians, however it is their fourth European final, where they previously always met Spain. They won in Granada on penalties in 1999 but lost twice, 2-1 in Ostrava in 2005 and 3-1 in extra time two years ago in Zagreb. An Italy -Russia final is unique.

In the semi-final there were great performances offered by all the AGLA-MEN. STEFANO MAMMARELLA, included in the starting lineup alongside ALEX MERLIM, and was responsible for many excellent saves. RODOLFO FORTINO was the scorer of one of the Azzurri’s four goals. HUMBERTO HONORIO, MARCO ERCOLESSI and MAXIMO DE LUCA gave decisive contributions. Not even a minute in and Italy took the lead. Saad passed from a corner to Lima, whose right footed shot found a space past Joao Benedito. Portugal raised their game, finding the equaliser in the 13th minute with a wonderful play by Ricardinho. He went past Saad and scored with his left through a slightly deflected strike. A minute and a half before the interval the Portuguese went ahead with a powerful and accurate left foot half volley by Arnaldo. In the second half you can see an Italy energetic and determined to not miss making the final. 3 minutes after the break the Italians equalised through Romano after receiving an assist from Lima. In the 11th minute they went ahead after Lima collected the ball at the edge of the Portuguese area, from a deflected left footed strike by DE LUCA, and put it past the helpless André Sousa . From the 15th minute it was like a game of poker. FORTINO extended Italy’s lead with a left footed rocket that rattled the bar and went into the Portuguese net. Just a few seconds later and Joel Queiros scored with a shot that took two deflections before passing by the irreproachable MAMMARELLA. Portugal attacked with the fly goalkeeper but the Italian goal remained unbroken. Now, between Italy and their European dream stands only Russia.

SEMIFINALS

Portugal - ITALY 3-4
Russia - Spain 4-3 A.E.T.

FINAL

3rd Place Playoff:
Portugal - Spain (18.00, live on Eurosport 2)

Final:
ITALY - Russia (20.30, live on Eurosport)

DE LUCA spoke to the site of the Italian futsal league after the game. "I'm speechless because we were celebrating and screaming. I've been quiet this week, a little angry because I was not playing, but I knew I would get my moment. I had to come in and do well, without being affected by tension . I walked in and I did what I do best, playing. I do not want to think about the post I hit. Sure, if I had scored it would have been better, but the important thing is that we won. The last few minutes on were the longest of my life, on the bench it was horrible, but even better because when it is so painful you enjoy it even more after. I don’t have any memories more beautiful than these ones. We are 40 minutes from a dream, we will give it everything. There are no words for what we will do and we will give on court. The defeat to Slovenia has made us wake up, we have got together and looked at ourselves because if we wanted to get to the end we had to change something in our minds. But now I don’t want to talk about Slovenia or other teams , we are so happy , and the great game that we executed. I dedicate this to three people who unfortunately are no longer with us; My uncle Antonio, my grandmother Carmela and my friend Mario, who unfortunately now look at us from up there. I would like to thank many people; I would say many names because to say just one name would not be enough. I thank my family because when it was a difficult time when I was not playing and I was down in the dumps they were with me. They gave me the strength: my father sent me a message in the changing room that gave me a boost. I did not want to disappoint him."

FORTINO had this to say to the website of the Italian federation; "It is not my goal that matters to me but the fact that this group has given everything. I knew it would be a tough match, we reached this far and now we have to continue like this. I wonder if we can win this such wonderful European Championship. Portugal is a very strong team and never gives up. We went behind. It is not easy to score, but it's my role. I am the one that is closer to the goal and I try to take advantage of the moments and opportunities that arrive. I dedicate this victory to my family. When I scored I went to the stands to celebrate with the fans and with my family. We have been criticised and it has helped us to wake up. Whoever criticises, does it to help us. We’re now thinking about the final." Then praise for DE LUCA; " He had not played , everyone spoke with him and we are close. He came in and did his job. He has played in a difficult match and he was great."

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Posted by Mico Martic --> mico.martic@futsalplanet.com