Italy and Argentine recently played out a frantic draw at the Pala Giovanni Paolo II in Pescara, with the Azzurri creating plenty of chances but with Cuzzolino and Co. threatening on the counter-attack.  Rescia initially fired the visitors in front, while De Oliveira brought Italy back level after a number of missed chances. An ambitious Azzurri side came out after the break, with Ercolessi soon putting his team in front for the first time before Cesaroni then extended Italy’s lead. Argentine responded with pride, forcing San Mammarella into a number of saves to keep it at 3-1. However, he could do nothing about Brandi’s first strike, who then completed the Argentine comeback right at the death.

“Futsal is an important discipline for the growth of football,” said FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. “A fundamental sector for our family. This evening was another one for the fantastic support to enjoy.”

“Futsal is a sport that’s enjoying significant growth in Italy,” said President of the Divisione Calcio a 5 Andrea Montemurro. “The National Team is an important stimulus for us. We knew that this match would be an important test and that this marvellous crowd were rewarded for their effort.”

“It was a great match,” said Head Coach Alessio Musti. “We demonstrated that we can go up against the World Champions in Argentina. It’s a shame about the result because we started the second half really strong and then we suffered from a bit of tiredness and inexperience toward the end. We must now look to replicate the positives from this evening against Bosnia.”

ITALY-ARGENTINA 3-3 (1-1 at ht)

ITALY: Mammarella, Ercolessi, Merlim, Cesaroni, De Oliveira, Romano, Fortini, Murilo, Marcelinho, Castagna, De Luca, Musumeci, Ugherani, Molitierno. Coach: Musti

ARGENTINA: Sarmiento, Taborda, Corso, Borruto, Brandi, Avellino, Tripodi, Rescia, Cuzzolino, Altamirano, Rosa, Claudino, Starna. Coach: Lucuix

GOALSCORERS: 8'33'' p.t. Rescia (A), 19'26'' De Oliveira (I), 1'43'' s.t. Ercolessi (I), 3'21'' Cesaroni (I), 19'16'' and 19'46'' Brandi (A)

BOOKINGS: Borruto (A)

 

REFEREES: Alessandro Malfer (Rovereto), Angelo Galante