Italy began the World Beach Games 2019 with a win on Friday. The Azzurri beat the Solomon Islands 8-5 in a match where Del Duca’s men were forced to bring out their best weapons – their technical and tactical know-how – in response to their opponents’ physicality. The deadlock was broken in the ninth minute at the Beach Arena in Qatar as Gori finished off Ramacciotti’s assist. However, Mafane equalised instantly. Despite this, Italy remained calm and composed and finished the first period 3-1 up: Corosiniti headed home from a corner before Zurlo made it three.

The Azzurri appeared to be running away with it, especially when Gori netted Italy’s fourth at the start of the second period after being found by Marinai. But the Solomon Islands didn’t give up and scored two quick-fire goals through Iro Faari and Mafane. Nevertheless, Del Duca’s boys were able to react: Palmacci restored their two-goal advantage six minutes into the half with a perfect free kick. However, with the Azzurri still celebrating, Aisa then reduced the arrears to make it 4-5. At the end of the period, Italy struck back and scored their sixth through Percia Montani. In the third and final period, Del Mestre saved a penalty before Italy put the game to bed once and for all in the final two minutes: Palmacci scored from the spot, Laua netted with his right foot and Tin Tin Gori put the icing on the cake with a bicycle kick. Three points for Italy.

“As is the case with all opening matches, it was a difficult game,” said Head Coach Emiliano Del Duca afterwards. “This is also because we hadn’t been on the sand for a month, but now we can try to get in good condition during the tournament and we hope this happens as quickly as possible. I want to applaud the lads because today they demonstrated what this shirt means to them and showed a great desire to win.”

“We knew that it wouldn’t be an easy game,” said Azzurri defender Dario Ramacciotti. “We studied them: they’re a really physical and tough side. Our approach to the game was really good. The first one has gone well, now we’ll start thinking about Mexico.”

SOLOMON ISLANDS 5-8 ITALY (1-3; 3-3; 1-2)
Goals: first period: 9’ Gori (I), 9’ Mafane (S), 10’ Corosiniti (I), 11’ Zurlo (I); second period: 2’ Gori (I), 3’ Iro Faari (S), 4’ Mafane (S), 6’ Palmacci (I), 7’ Aisa (S), 9’ Percia Montani (I); third period: 10’ Palmacci (I), 11’ Laua (S), 11’ Gori (I)

WORLD BEACH GAMES 2019

Schedule (all times CEST)
Group A: Brazil, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Morocco
Group B: Italy, Spain, Mexico, Solomon Islands
Group C: Iran, Paraguay, Senegal, Ukraine
Group D: Russia, Japan, Uruguay, El Salvador

Group stage

11 October
Solomon Islands 5-8 Italy

13 October
22:30 – Italy vs. Mexico

14 October
19:30 – Italy vs. Spain

Semi-finals (15 October)
16:30 – Group D vs. Group C
19:30 – Group A vs. Group B

Final fixtures (16 October)
16:30 – Third-place playoff
19:30 – Final