Serie D recovery. Goal festival between San Marino and Tuttocuoio: one point each

San Marino

4

Tuttocuoio

4

SAN MARINO (4-3-3): Branduani 5,5; Pericolini 5, Fabbri 5(18' st Biguzzi 5,5), Pasa 5,5, Miglietta 6; Muro 6, Toure 6 (29' st Haruna 6), Arcopinto 7; Passewe 6 (18' st Manneh 6), Giacomini 6,5, Di Francesco 6,5 (26' st Mezzasoma). Coach: Cola (Biagioni suspended).

ALL LEATHER (4-3-2-1): Carcani 5,5; Renda 5 (1' st Haka 6), Moretti 5, Bardini 6, Lorenzini 5,5; Del Rosso 6, Fino 6,5 (36' st Centonze n/a), Chiti 5,5 (1' st Veron 6); Boiga 6,5 (33' st Massaro n/a), Russo 6; Benericetti 5,5 (1' st Di Natale 6,5). Coach: Firicano.

Referee: Zito di Rossano.

Goals: 10' pt Di Francesco, 27' pt Fino on penalty, 29' pt Giacomini, 10' st Boiga on penalty, 13' st Haka, 26' st Bardini, 38' st Mezzasoma, 47' st Haruna.

Notes: Pericolini sent off in the 8th minute of the second half; Pasa, Biguzzi, Carcani, Lorenzini, Russo, Massaro cautioned; spectators approximately 150; corners 3 to 1 for Tuttocuoio; added time 2' and 5'.

San Marino grabbed a deserved draw in injury time given the determination shown by the white and blues who were able to come back from two goals down. Of course there are also regrets to be taken into account: for San Marino not having closed the first half with a wider lead, for Tuttocuoio not having taken advantage of the extra man and the two goal lead. Biagioni's team started very strong, replaced on the bench by Cola, and in the 10th minute found the lead at the end of a drumbeat action resolved by a shot from close range by Di Francesco. San Marino insisted and in the 25th minute could have doubled their lead, but Passewe from two steps away with his right foot didn't hit the ball well, a missed goal and a goal conceded in the space of a minute. Tuttocuoio attacked and took advantage of a defense that was unable to clear the area and committed a needless foul on Russo; Fino stepped up to the spot and wrong-footed Branduani. The understanding between Passewe and Giacomini yields the new immediate advantage, the first sets up the assist, the second goes around Carcani and puts the ball in the net. In the 46th minute the visiting goalkeeper stretches and deflects the great shot launched by Arcopinto into the corner. The second half is even more exciting. In the 7th minute Branduani makes a good save on Di Natale, but Pericolini commits a clear foul on the visiting centre forward: penalty and red card for the defender, Boiga does not miss from the spot. In the 13th minute Di Natale's shot hits the crossbar then Haka's deflection puts Tuttocuoio ahead, in the 26th minute Bardini's header brings the visitors' goals to four and seems to close the game. San Marino instead has the right reaction: in the 38th minute a splendid half-overhead kick by Mezzasoma and the game reopens, in the 47th minute Muro and Arcopinto create the ball that is good for Haruna's head who seals the result.

Standings: Forlì 69 points; Ravenna 64; Pistoiese 55; Tau Altopascio 54; Lentigione 51; Imolese 39; Cittadella Vis Modena, Prato, Tuttocuoio 38; Progresso 34; Piacenza 33; Sasso Marconi, Corticella 32; Zenith Prato 29; San Marino 27; Sammaurese 24; United Riccione 22; Fiorenzuola 16.

Roberto Daltri