It looked as though the story had already been written: a brave effort against a great side, but ultimately not enough. Instead, against Spain in their second group-stage match at the WEBSL Superfinal – the Women’s European beach soccer championship currently being held in Viareggio – Italy rewrote the script in extraordinary fashion. With two minutes left in a fiercely contested battle, the Azzurre looked to be heading for defeat. But Simone Feudi’s side showed once again that they possess something special. In the space of two minutes, they turned the game completely on its head: first Adami struck with 120 seconds remaining, before Vecchione produced the winner when extra time appeared inevitable, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory. The result gives Italy top spot in the group and a place in the semi-finals with one match still to play. Spain, meanwhile, will have to battle Poland tomorrow at 15:30 for a place in the next round.

FEUDI. After the final whistle, Azzurre coach Simone Feudi was quick to acknowledge the quality of the opposition: “We stayed in the game against a side that is probably slightly superior to us technically, but technique can only take you so far in this sport. When head and heart come together, things like this can happen. We’ve now won six matches in a row and that tells you that there is something special within this group. There’s a great atmosphere, a real sense of togetherness and the girls are aware of what they can achieve. Now we’ll enjoy this win, and then we’ll turn our attention to the semi-final.”

THE MATCH. Italy were without captain Veronica Privitera, who left the training camp to return home following the untimely passing of her father. Galloni started in goal, with Adami as the playmaker and Vecchione and Massa supporting Illiano. It was an extremely balanced contest, with both defences pressing aggressively and allowing very few opportunities. With 20 seconds remaining before the first break, Spain created the best chance of the opening period. Campoy won a free kick from ten metres, but Galloni produced an excellent save to keep out Sara Tui’s right-footed effort. After a goalless opening 12 minutes, the Sara Tui-Galloni duel resumed two minutes into the second period, with the Italy goalkeeper making another superb stop, stretching low to divert the Spaniard’s angled shot. Italy threatened in the fourth minute through a Massa free kick that flashed just past the post to Laia’s left. As the minutes passed, Spain increased the pressure and eventually found the breakthrough: Carol Glez produced a superb turn and finish to put La Roja 1-0 ahead with three minutes remaining before the final interval. The third period began with the contest still finely balanced. Three minutes in, Adami tried her luck with a powerful effort from distance, before Vecchione went close moments later with an overhead kick. In the seventh minute, Farnesi won a penalty after being fouled by goalkeeper Laia. It was Italy’s biggest opportunity of the match, but the Spanish goalkeeper stood firm to deny the No.16. It appeared that Italy’s chance had gone, but Viareggio-born Greta Adami had other ideas. She won the ball back and struck first time, catching Laia by surprise to make it 1-1 with three minutes remaining. It was the perfect reward for an outstanding display from the former AC Milan and Fiorentina player. Extra time looked inevitable, but with just seven seconds remaining and Spain pushing desperately for a winner, Ferrazza’s clearance fell kindly to Vecchione. She beat her opponent with a sharp piece of skill before firing into the net to complete the turnaround. The Matteo Valenti Beach Stadium rose as one to salute another superb performance from Italy’s women’s beach soccer team.

 

ITALY 2-1 SPAIN (1st period 0-0; 2nd period 0-1)

Italy: Galloni, Adami, Vecchione, Massa, Illiano. Subs: Ferrazza, Costantini, Veglio, Farnesi, Baldini, Manca. Coach: Feudi

Spain: Laia, Miron, Carol Glez, Jessi, Pilar. Subs: Alcaide, Manau, Jacque, Sara Tui, Campoy, Serrat, Xenia, Nara. Coach: El Gazzi

Goals: 9’ 2nd period Carol Glez (S), 10’ 3rd period Adami (I), 12’ Vecchione (I)

Referees: Gomes Soares (Portugal), Minder (Switzerland), Sayoud (Belgium), Tashkov (Bulgaria); Timekeeper: Gebka (Poland)

Notes: Miron (S) booked

 

WEBSL Superfinal

Group A: ITALY, Spain, Poland

Group B: Portugal, Switzerland, Ukraine

 

Group-stage fixtures

Matchday 1, Wednesday 9 September

Switzerland 2-4 Ukraine (B)

Italy 9-4 Poland (A)

Matchday 2, Thursday 10 September

Portugal 4-3 Ukraine (B)

Italy 2-1 Spain (A)

Standings after Matchday 2

Group A: Italy 6, Spain and Poland 0

Group B: Portugal and Ukraine 3, Switzerland 0

Matchday 3, Friday 11 September

Switzerland v Portugal, 12:45 (B)

Spain v Poland, 15:30 (A)