The group stage of the fourth edition has concluded of the Puntocuore Under 20 Championship. The quality of the competitive technical figure confirms the quality of the company’s commitment National Amateur League in the youth development program which brought the Italian national team to the top of Europe and second in the World Cup with a rejuvenated squad. The qualifying stage, which saw eleven teams at the starting line, largely from Serie A clubs, took place from 5 to 9 June to the “Matteo Valenti” Beach Stadium Of Viareggio. Catania Fc, Happy Car Samb, Icierre Lamezia and Lazio they have secured the pass for the Final Four scheduled in Genoa from 8 to 10 August. The Under 20 Championship has confirmed itself as a constantly evolving Championship. Between certainties and twists, the public was certainly not bored. The Biancocelesti who excelled in Group A will face the Marche runners-up in Group B won by Icierre Lamezia. The Lametini team will face the Etna team in the semi-final.
To understand how dynamic beach soccer is, it is enough to underline that of the four finalists for 2023, only Icierre Lamezia has been confirmed. Samb passed the round for the first time in its history. Catania and Lazio are back in Italy’s top four after a year’s absence. The Biancocelesti are in the semi-finals for the third time in four editions. The big surprise is the exclusion of Farmaè Viareggio who have won all three Scudetti since the Championship was established and the only Italian Cup played so far.
The Coordinator of the BS LND Department Roberto Desini which in 2021, in agreement with the LND, gave the decisive impulse for the creation of the youth championship, can now enjoy a reality that has become strategic for the entire movement:”The companies immediately embraced the project, demonstrating great foresight. The 4th edition of the Under 20 has risen even further, the races in Viareggio demonstrated this, thanks also to the impeccable organization of the local promoter. It’s a championship that’s good for the discipline. Gradually but steadily the boys have grown to become protagonists in Serie A, forming the backbone of the national team that is dominating Europe and the world. Results that confirm the virtuous choice of the National Amateur League in promoting sport through young people”.
Group A – The Catania FC he won them all, some easily, others with the attitude of a great team. At the last gasp with the reigning champions Farmaè Viareggio and on penalties with Lazio. First place faded due to the penalty victory in the last round with Ecosystem Lamezia already eliminated. This too is the magic of beach soccer, Fair Play and commitment until the end. D’Amore and Giuffrida the confirmations, Theodoro (six centres), Milazzo and Veca the surprises. There Lazio took first place demonstrating quality and character that brought four victories. The only painless defeat on penalties with Catania FC was then overcome on the 5th matchday. The success against Viareggio, as it developed, was a true masterpiece. In five matches eleven players scored. D’Agostino, Racaniello (five goals each) and Shalabi are now Serie A players. Sannibale and Andriani are the happy surprises. Too many empty passes for the highly decorated Farmaè Viareggio which gives way for the first time. However, Santini and Belluomini confirm themselves as two important players. Two successes and the super performances of top scorer Suarez and goalkeeper Gonzales were not enough for Cagliari. Ecosystem Lamezia did their best to discover a rising star like Giovanni Mollo (eleven signatures) in beach soccer. Città De Eventi also put in all the effort possible but it wasn’t enough.
Group B – L’Icierre Lamezia, 2023 finalist, dominated the Group by winning all the matches except the last one with Domusbet.tv Catania with the result already achieved. The Calabrian team struggled only with Lenergy Pisa, authoritatively overcoming Vasto, Happy Car Samb and Domusbet.tv Catania. Highlighted are the players who had already done well in 2023, Perri (six centres), Cristaudo, Persico, Guerrero and Tutino. L’Happy Car Samb he achieved three clear victories, only suffering a knockout against the Lametini team. Above all, Nicolò De Baptistis (five goals), now a regular presence in Serie A as well. Ragni (four signatures), D’Angelo and Fiscaletti have improved a lot compared to last season. The new entry Onori is good. The debutant Vasto, the youngest team of the tournament, made its mark. Domusbet.tv Catania and Lenergy Pisa, who arrived close to the first, were missing in the most important moments.
