In-form Viareggio clinch Coppa Italia success

The trophies continue to flow for Viareggio as they add domestic success to European honours.

Viareggio followed up their Euro Winners Cup success in Catania by claiming their first Coppa Italia since 2012 with victory over Sambenedettese on Sunday.

Stefano Santini’s men proved themselves as the best in Europe earlier this month and maintained that momentum to add further silverware to their trophy cabinet following four days of competition in Sicily.

After a 7-6 victory on penalties against Canalicchio on Thursday, the eventual champions were again made to work hard again a day later as they edged past hosts Catania 3-2, while defending champions Terracina slipped up against Pisa by the odd goal in 15.

Santini’s side continued to grind out wins, edging Villafranca 5-4 on Saturday to set up a finale against the men from Marche.

Despite trailing after the first period, Viareggio were level going into the third and the sides needed extra time after registering a goal apiece in the final 12 minutes.

Amid a nervy finale, the decisive blow was struck by in-form Italy international Gori, who hit the winning goal to maintain an impressive streak that saw him claim top-scorer honours at the Euro Winners Cup while also helping his national team claim wins over Iran with a four-goal haul across the two games.

Villafranca and Pisa claimed third and fourth respectively after the former won their play-off 6-5 while Catania needed penalties to see off Milano in their battle for fifth.

Two-time defending champions Terracina ended the tournament seventh after moving past Catanese 6-1, with Maurizio Minetti, Beach Soccer co-ordinator for the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti (LND), left to reflect on another successful event in Sicily. 

“We have witnessed an intense event,” he commented. “Thanks are due to all those who have worked to ensure that the event was so beautiful.”

Final Standings

1st – Viareggio, 2nd – Sambenedettese, 3rd – Villafranca, 4th – Pisa, 5th – Catania, 6th – Milano, 7th – Terracina, 8th – Catanese, 9th – Livorno, 10th – Ecosystem Cz, 11th – Cannolicchio, 12th – Lazio, 13th – Romagna, 14th – Lamezia, 15th – Barletta, 16th – Vastese

A full list of results and scorers from the Coppa Italia 2016 is available on the LND website

Picture courtesy of beachsoccer.lnd.it