A tight final saw the 2017 champions down Viareggio to reclaim the Italian throne
After just a year’s absence from the top of the Italian Championship, Happy Car Sambenedettese return as kings of Italy with a 5-6 victory over 2016 champions, Viareggio.
A dramatic Serie Aon final was played at the Beach Arena in Catania, and it was just a final minute goal from Jordan who clinched the title for Happy Car.
It was the eighth trophy won by the Rossoblùs and the third national championship. The Samb clearly learnt from the final that they lost last season and came to this year’s edition in Catania stronger, where they won their first title back in 2014.
Runners-up Viareggio took consolation in the form of their star number ten, Gabriele Gori, who claimed the trophy as the Serie’s top scorer with 34 goals. It was the fifth time that the Azzurri striker has finished top of the scoring ranking in the Italian Championship, and behind him was national team-mate Emmanuele Zurlo, who scored 28 for the 2018 champions, Catania.
The best player of the Serie Aon 2019 went to Jordan of the Samb, which was presented by the Italy national side coach, Emiliano del Duca, while the best goalkeeper was given to Simone del Mestre, also of Happy Car.
Three different teams have won the three trophies up for grabs in 2019, a clear sign of how balanced the Italian beach soccer club scene is, as Catania lifted the Coppa Italia and Terracina took the Supercoppa.
The Coordinator of the LND Beach Soccer Department Roberto Desini presented the trophy to Felice Pastore , captain of the Samb with these words: “The goal of achieving greater balance between the teams, increasing the competitive and technical level, has been achieved, and the audience in the stands and the thousands of fans who have followed us online have seen the benefit. Congratulations to the two finalists for the great show offered on the pitch and good luck to the National team that will compete here in Catania in a few days.”
Results (11/08)
Viareggio 5-6 Happy Car Samb. (FINAL)
Terracina 4-2 Ecosistem Cz (3/4 place)
Palazzolo 2-4 Catania (5/6 place)
Sicily 6-9 Pisa (7/8 place)
