(By Dennis Magrì) Virtus Francavilla Under 15 narrowly beats Arezzo in the first leg of the Scudetto playoff semi-final and sees the final act for the Italian title one step away. The goal scored by Celentano in the second half decides.
FIRST HALF. In the first half, Montesardi’s team opens the series of scoring opportunities with the crossbar hit by Miccoli in the 19th minute: a shot from outside that hits the upright of the goal defended by Rosi. The Tuscan goalkeeper did well also on the free kick kicked by the white and blue number eight a minute later.
In the 22nd minute, Arezzo had an opportunity, with Sponza’s header missing the target. In the 26th minute Nisi’s diagonal shot at Miccoli’s invitation, but without success. In the 34th minute Ettorre also tries from outside, Rosi saves in two stages. Four minutes later Ettorre tries again from outside, but De Luca’s deflection that cuts off Rosi misses the target. Before the break Catapano tries, but without managing to break the deadlock.
SECOND HALF. The second half opens with a thrill for Virtus: Fontanarosa’s intervention on Pinaccioli’s very dangerous attempt is superb. In the 11th minute, after several attempts, the blue and white team found the goal: Celentano, from close range, pushed a ball into the goal that was initially rejected by Rosi, causing the celebrations to explode at the Nuovarredo Arena. 17th opportunity for an encore for Virtus Francavilla: Celentano sends the Arezzo defense into a tailspin and serves Catapano, who misses the goal from a few steps away, giving the illusion of a goal.
In the 19th minute Blasi missed the ball, Postiglione from a good position missed the killer instinct in front of goal, finding an excellent response from Fontanarosa. Three minutes from the end Tavernesi flies towards Fontanarosa’s goal, who deflects the shot onto the outside of the net. Fontanarosa was also super a few seconds later, with a confident shot from close range. In the sixth minute of added time, Virtus also snatched the 2-0 lead: Distante crossbar following the development of a cross.
At the final whistle it’s a white-blue celebration for the season finale at the Nuovarredo Arena: Virtus has the Scudetto final one step away.
