Italy strike gold in Greece!

Portugal were denied a second gold medal of the year by the superior Azzurri

The final showdown between the European powerhouses saw Del Duca’s men claim a hard-fought win over Portugal to taste gold at the Mediterranean Beach Games Patras 2019.

Portuguese gold medallists of the European Games 2019 took on Italian champions of Europe on the last day. The Azzurri burst into action, taking a 5-0 lead after the opening 12 minutes. 

The next period was more balanced, as each side netted twice to maintain the gap. Five goals was cut to just two as Portugal mounted a spirited comeback to make the Italian defence work to keep one hand on the gold.

But Mario Narciso’s men ran out of time, and Italy claimed the final by seven goals to five. 

France claimed the bronze with a comfortable 5-1 win over Morocco, while hosts Greece took up fifth place by defeating Libya eight goals to five.

Albania, unable to claim a victory in Patras, finished in eighth as Syria netted ten to earn seventh place.

Another edition of the Mediterranean Beach Games, another set of medals awarded and another step along this ever-developing journey on the beach soccer scene. 

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Portugal 5-7 Italy (Gold Medal) 

Morocco 1-5 France (Bronze Medal)

Greece 8-5 Libya (5th-place play-off)

Syria 10-4 Albania (7th-place play-off)

Final standings:

Gold – Italy

Silver – Portugal 

Bronze – France

4 – Morocco

5 – Greece

6 – Libya

7 – Syria

8 – Albania

For more information on the Mediterranean Beach Games Patras 2019, click here.