Emiliano Del Duca's team triumphed 4-3 after extra time, recovering from what looked like certain defeat after Denmark had overturned Italy's early two-goal lead, established through Remedi and Giordani. With just seven seconds remaining in normal time, Sassari forced extra time before Josep struck the winner on the buzzer. Italy knew Denmark would provide a stern test. Two years ago in Cádiz, during the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualifiers, the Azzurri were beaten by a Danish side that controlled possession thanks in large part to the excellent distribution of goalkeeper Madsen. This time, however, the outcome was different. Despite being pushed all the way, Italy came out on top once again, underlining the outstanding physical and mental condition of Del Duca's squad. The victory made it five wins from five matches, providing a significant boost ahead of September's European Finals in Viareggio. From 8 to 13 September, the Azzurri will attempt to defend their continental crown, a feat previously achieved only by Portugal, Spain and Russia in the history of the EBSL Superfinal. Joining Italy in Viareggio will be Denmark, Germany and Moldova, who qualified in Chișinău, along with Spain, Portugal, Belarus and Switzerland, who secured their places during the El Puerto de Santa María stage in May.

 

ITALY4-3 DENMARK (AET)

Italy: Casapieri, Josep Jr, Fazzini, Giordani, A. Remedi. A disp.: Genovali, Bertacca, Sciacca, Alla, Sannibale, Barbagallo, Andriani, Sassari, F. Reggio. All. Del Duca

Denmark: Madsen, Pilgaard, Wegeberg, De Fries, Damm. A disp.: Levin, Schimidt, Jensen, Frandsen, Hansen, Stubgaard. All. Jorgensen

Goals: 7’ Remedi (I); 1’ second period Giordani (I), 1’ Pilgaard (D); 5’ third peiod Wegeberg (D), 9’ Frandsen (D), 12’ Sassari (I); 3’ extra time Josep (I)

Officials: Vladimir Tashkov (Bulgaria), Ozcan Sultanoglu (Turchia), Angelika Gebka (Polonia), Sara Ceferino (Spagna); Cronometrista: Sergiu Proca (Moldova)