AGLA-MEN on top of Europe

European Champions! European Champions! Italy’s Roberto Menichelli put an end to Spain’s domination as the kings of Europe for the last 11 years since Italy won as hosts in 2003. This time the Blues beat Russia 3-1 in the final with 12,000 people in the stands. Spain took the bronze medal (8-4 against Portugal) . Lima (Eder Lima with an equaliser for the Russians ),Murilo and Giasson have got on the scoresheet but the six AGLA-MEN have formed the backbone of the Menichelli’s squad . The Azzurri’s heroes from the AGLA stable are STEFANO MAMMARELLA; goalkeeper, MARCO ERCOLESSI; a tough defender, RODOLFO FORTINO; a bomber whose goals rescue the team when they are in trouble, ALEX MERLIM; a loyal servant who is always in the starting lineup, HUMBERTO HONORIO; adds quality to an extremely strong squad and MASSIMO DE LUCA ; always ready when the call comes.

Russia started better than Italy but it was the Blues who took the lead in the 7th minute; Saad cutting the ball from the corner to the near post for Lima who put it past Gustavo. They were in the lead for a little over two minutes before Skorovich’ team made the scores level; Eder Lima lost Giasson and hit a terrific right footed shot into the Azzurri’s goal. Italy followed with two goals that was the ko for their opponent. In the 14th minute Murilo scores a left foot volley after being assisted by Lima. One minute from before the half time whistle Giasson played a long pass to create the perfect assist for HONORIO. In the second half Italy controlled the game. In the 12th minute, Russian head coach Skorovich choose to employ the fly goalkeeper. In the remaining part of the game two shots from Russia hit the post. MAMMARELLA prevented the Russians taking advantage of their numerical superiority. Cirilo received a red card but the Italians did not take advantage of this to score. As the clock reached the 20th minute, the Italians exploded with jubilation.

3RD PLACE PLAYOFF
Portugal - Spain 4-8

FINAL
ITALY -Russia 3-1

WINNERS:
1995 Spain, 1999 Russia, 2001 Spain, 2003 ITALY, Spain in 2005, Spain in 2007, Spain in 2010, Spain in 2012, 2014 ITALY

The Azzurri’s Journey

Group Phase:
Italy -Slovenia 2-3 , Italy - Azerbaijan 7-0.

Quarter-finals:
Italy - Croatia 2-1.

Semi-finals:
Italy - Portugal 4-3.

Final:
Italy -Russia 3-1

MAMMARELLA spoke to www.divisionecalcioa5.it; "It was a beautiful game, they say that perfection does not exist... but in this final I think we were perfect. We have won the boxing match , there was a huge knockout by Italy on Russia. It has brought us a lot of happiness , we have a fantastic group. The coach has created something special, he has believed from the beginning, since we lost the European Championship in Hungary in 2010. He has selected young guys , the credit is his and all the players who gave it their all when they came on court ... to the last drop of blood. "

Here are the words of ERCOLESSI to the site of the Italian league. He said: "I want to first of all give thanks to all the people who have been part of this. My girlfriend and future wife because I promised that if we won the Euro then we would get married. Also to my family and the people who have supported us. That's the greatest thanks I can do. I made a bet with Luke Leggier . Before the game, during the pre-match snack , I told him to write the result of the final. He wrote it on a handkerchief and I would not open it until we returned to the dressing room after the game. I read it a few minutes ago and it said 3-1 for us ... it's amazing. We are so together , united in our objective , we are too strong! It was a game played at a high level, we took it in hand and we have shown that we are a team that plays, especially a team. I want to say that the people initially criticiced us. I, myself, have gone from being criticised to European champion. To those who teased us, unfortunately for them , our group is united and does not give in to factors from outside. We are delighted."

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