As the English saying goes, ‘nobody queues up for a flat rollercoaster’. Italy’s futsal matches are certainly anything but straightforward. In Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, the Azzurri secured three points the hard way in their second Group 10 match of the Main Round of FIFA World Cup qualifying. Italy raced into a 3-0 lead through Podda (8'), Pulvirenti (16') and Musumeci (24'), only to see the hosts fight back and level the score during a six-minute nightmare between the 27th and 33rd minutes. However, the Azzurri had the final say, with Giuliano Fortini scoring the decisive goal. The L84 Torino player had been named MVP of the most recent Scudetto final, which his side went on to win. Salvo Samperi's side remain on a perfect record, moving to six points and taking sole possession of top spot in the group. The Italy squad will arrive in Barletta tomorrow evening ahead of Tuesday's rematch against Kosovo (20:00 CET, live on RaiSport). A positive result would mathematically secure their place in the Elite Round of 2028 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

SAMPERI. Speaking immediately after the game, head coach Salvo Samperi said: “We played at a very high level in the first half, showing great personality and managing every phase of the game well. We also made a strong start to the second half and managed to make it 3-0, but then we conceded a goal that changed things a little. The noise was incredible and the atmosphere was electric, with a respectful and fantastic crowd. After the 3-1, our level of play dropped a little and they managed to draw level. However, I want to congratulate my players because staying in the game and winning at a ground like this, after letting a three-goal lead slip and with the momentum having shifted completely, is truly commendable.” Italy return home knowing they have taken an important, perhaps decisive, step towards qualification. “At international level, every game is tough these days. Yes, we're close to qualifying. We'll be playing at home and want to win to make the most of this important opportunity. We need to reset and make sure we're at our best.”

THE MATCH. Samperi started with Bellobuono in goal and an outfield quartet featuring three Catania players: captain Musumeci, Podda and Silvestri, alongside Fortini. Michele Podda opened the scoring in the eighth minute, finishing off a successful counter-attack. Italy doubled their lead in the 16th minute through Giovanni Pulvirenti, who made the most of an excellent assist from an inspired Podda following a set-piece routine from a free-kick. Having gone into the break 2-0 up, Italy extended their advantage early in the second half. In the 24th minute, Carmelo Musumeci produced one of his trademark volleys to make it 3-0, completing a clean sweep of goals for the Catania trio. But that was when the game turned. Kosovo gradually fought their way back, scoring three times in six minutes. Alaj struck in the seventh minute, Krasniqi made it 3-2 three minutes later, and Alaj's second goal in the 33rd minute brought the hosts level. Italy were at their most vulnerable point, but found the strength to regain the lead with just over three minutes remaining. Fortini, of reigning Italian champions L84 Torino, shifted the ball from his right foot onto his left before unleashing a thunderous strike into the top corner. Even the impressive Ramadani had no chance. It was the decisive goal which secured three vital points for Italy's qualification hopes.

KOSOVO 3-4 ITALY (HT: 0-2)

Kosovo: Ramadani, Maxharraj, Alaj, Dervishaj, Diar. Subs: Selmanaj, Kameri, Qerimi, Kelmendi, Rukovci, Gashi, Krasniqi, Haxhijaj, Xhinovci. Head coach: Ramadani.

Italy: Bellobuono, Podda, Silvestri, Fortini, Musumeci. Subs: Dalcin, Pulvirenti, Molaro, Arillo, De Oliveira, Cutruneo, Delmestre, Ferraro, Donin. Head coach: Samperi.

Goals: 8' Podda (I), 16' Pulvirenti (I); 24' Musumeci (I), 7' Alaj (K), 10' Krasniqi (K), 13' Alaj (K), 17' Fortini (I).

Referees: Bogdan Hanceariuc (Romania); Laurentiu Deaconu (Romania), Drazen Vukcevic (Montenegro). Timekeeper: Rinor Shala (Kosovo).

Notes: Ramadani (K) booked.

FIFA FUTSAL WORLD CUP 2028

Group 10 Main Round fixtures

Wednesday 14 October: Georgia 2-3 Kosovo

Tuesday 20 October: Italy 3-2 Georgia

Friday 6 November: Kosovo 3-4 Italy

Standings after two matchdays

Italy 6, Kosovo 3, Georgia 0

Tuesday 10 November: Italy vs. Kosovo | Barletta, live on RaiSport

Wednesday 24 February: Kosovo vs. Georgia

Tuesday 2 March: Georgia vs. Italy

Key dates

Main Round play-off draw: 5 March 2027

Main Round play-offs: 12-21 April 2027

Elite Round group-stage draw: 20 May 2027

Elite Round group stage: 6-15 September 2027, 11-20 October 2027, 13-22 December 2027

Elite Round play-off: 20 January 2028

Elite Round play-offs: 10-19 April 2028