The Azzurri’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualifying campaign began with a victory in Moscow. Emiliano Del Duca’s team recorded a 5-2 victory against Kazakhstan in what was an important match: a place in the final tournament in Paraguay at the end of November is at stake over the next eight days. Goals from Gori (x2), Ramacciotti, Zurlo and Chiavaro got Italy off to an excellent start.

Head Coach Del Duca was satisfied with his team’s performance and underlined the importance of starting off on the right foot: “Kazakhstan were very physical, showed great stamina and fought to the bitter end. We played well but weren’t that clinical in front of goal. This can happen at the start of a tournament, but we’ll remain calm and focused on tomorrow’s match.

The game against Kazakhstan saw Dario Ramacciotti and also Fabio Sciacca return to playing for Italy. The latter, who is enjoying his first season with Catania Beach Soccer, put on the Azzurri shirt after once playing for Italy’s Under-20s in 11-a-side football.

Ramacciotti had the following to say: “Today, I played again after sitting six months out. I’ve been preparing intensely and am really fired up. I have a lot of desire and hunger. Now, the Viareggio defender said, we need to focus fully on obtaining a place at the next World Cup, where I hope we’ll be able to go far.”

These were Sciacca’s comments: “I’m happy to be here representing Italy, ten years have passed since I first did this and it’s always really emotional to be able to represent my countrz. I hope to repay the faith that has been shown in me by the Coach and to give everything for the group.”

The Azzurri will take to the pitch again tomorrow at 16:00 CEST against the Czech Republic, who suffered a 3-2 defeat to Poland in the other Group C match.

Group C
Italy, Poland, Czech Republic and Kazakhstan

Friday 19 July
Poland 3-2 Czech Republic
Kazakhstan 2-5 Italy
Saturday 20 July
12:15 Poland vs. Kazakhstan
17:30 Italy vs. Czech Republic

Monday 22 July
13:30 Czech Republic vs. Kazakhstan
18:45 Italy vs. Poland

Standings
Italy and Poland 3 points, Czech Republic and Kazakhstan 0