It’s objective complete for Italy’s Beach Soccer’s team, as they qualified for the 2019 World Cup. At the end of November, Coach Emiliano Del Duca’s side will travel to Paraguay to compete among Europe’s elite. This will be the eighth time that Italy has taken part in the competition, previously only missing out on the 2005 and 2013 competitions.

As for the action at the finals of the FIFA Qualifiers in Moscow, Mikhail Likhachev’s Russia team were unstoppable, even beating Italy 7-1 during the final fixture. However, despite the scoreline, it was still a notable fixture for Del Mestre who celebrated 200 appearances between the sticks and Palmacci who achieved the record of 250 caps. This was the 22nd-ever fixture against Russia, with Italy previously going unbeaten since 2017.

“This slip-up doesn’t leave a stain on the team's performance during the tournament,” said Head Coach Del Duca. “We return home with smiles on our faces and with the awareness that we’re a top team. We didn’t make it out of the hotel today but these things happen. It’s a shame because this game would’ve sealed the trophy. In Paraguay, we’ll be a tough team to face for everyone.”

“The match didn’t go as planned,” said Captain Francesco Corosiniti. “They were superior throughout, not only against us but whoever they faced. They had more rhythm and more motivation. However, this was the first game that we lost and we managed to qualify. Losing always hurts but the objective has been achieved so this is the main positive to take.”

 

ITALY-RUSSIA 1-7 (0-3; 1-3; 0-1)
Goals: 1’pt Krasheninnikov (R), 8’pt Paporotnyi (R), 11’pt Shakrin (R); 2’st Chuzhkov (R); 7’st Zemskov (R), 8’st Paporotnyi (R), 8’st Gori (I); 3’tt Zemskov (R)