Rari Nantes Florentia wins 12-10 against Academy Roma: Sordini protagonist with 7 goals

RARE NANTES FLORENTIA

12

ACADEMY ROME

10

FLORENTIA: Cicali, Chemeri, Stocco, Di Fulvio 3, De Mey, Hofmeijer, Turchini, Cardoni, Sordini 7 (5 penalties), Benvenuti 1, Bini, Borghigiani 1, Gioia, Visciani. Coach Minetti.

ROME: Giannotti, Ballarini, Vitale 1 (1 pen.), Lo Re 1, Vidovic 3 (1 pen.), Leporale 1, Cianchetti, Kadar, Mirarchi 1, De Robertis 3, Tartaro, Patti, Peluso, Cotugno. Coach Fiorillo.

Referees: Pinato - Brazilian.

Partials: 4-2, 2-3, 4-1, 2-4.

Notes – Numerical superiority: Florentia 5/11 + 5 penalties; Roma 3/10 + 3 penalties (one missed). Spectators: approximately 450.

At Nannini in Bellariva, Rari Nantes Florentia sealed a heavy victory in game-1 of the playout semifinals against Mario Fiorillo's Olympic Roma, giving themselves the chance, in the event of a new success in game-2 scheduled for tonight away (at 19 pm), to put their stamp on salvation. In the event of a defeat, however, everything is postponed to the "play-off" on May 1st, once again in Florence. Except for the initial phase of the first quarter, the game was always in the hands of the lily team that had an absolute giant in Stefano Sordini, author of seven goals, five of which from penalties. But, besides him, the whole team gave a very concrete performance: excellent on the tactical level (well done to coach Luca Minetti who had prepared the challenge well), safe in defense with goalkeeper Cicali who prevented the comeback several times, and imaginative in attack with Borghigiani, Benvenuti and Di Fulvio in great form: especially the latter, author of three goals: one of which (at 9-6) on the counterattack, another (at 11-7) with a spectacular lob.

Roma chased; in the third quarter, at 10-6, they hit the post on a penalty kick by De Robertis, they wasted a few other good opportunities but compared to Rari they appeared more confused and at times even more nervous.

Franco Morabito