A1 M - Training Academy Olympic Roma, 1st historic point: ends 14-14 in Naples
C.N. Posillipo - Training Academy Olympic Roma 14-14 (6-2, 2-4, 2-3, 4-5)
With a comeback full of heart, the Training Academy Olympic Roma earns its first, historic point in the Serie A1 championship. They achieved this at the Felice Scandone in Naples against a resilient C.N. Posillipo, undefeated in the championship and always leading in the score. Coach Mario Fiorillo's men always have the habit of believing in themselves, even when trailing by three goals with 3 minutes and a half remaining. And so, with 4 seconds left, Thomas Lo Re takes advantage of the 7-on-6 situation and scores a historic goal, achieved by a debutant player who grew up in the youth sector of Olympic.
Match recap
Posillipo starts very strongly and quickly takes a 2-0 lead in a minute. De Robertis scores to make it 2-1, before two more goals by the Neapolitans, making it 4-1. Ballarini brings his team closer, but it's only an illusion: the red and greens close the first half 6-2. Bertoli extends the lead at the beginning of the second half, but Olympic is alive and scores with Vitale and De Robertis: it's 7-4. The Neapolitans score again, but Agh and De Robertis soften the blow: it's 8-6 at the end of the first half.
Posillipo extends their lead again after the break, making it 9-6. However, Coach Mario Fiorillo's men show a different attitude: Kadar, Mirarchi, and De Robertis score repeatedly, bringing the match back to a tie for the first time. The Neapolitans do not lose composure and go ahead again before the end of the third period, 10-9. The fourth quarter starts with another +2 for the red and greens. A series of goals follow: Agh and Mirarchi score, then Cuccovillo and Mattiello: it's 14-11 with 3'30" left.
A normal team would already be defeated, but not the Training Academy. Vitale scores immediately, followed by Agh, assisted by Mirarchi. With very little time left, a perfect defense in a man-down situation, a time out called by Mario Fiorillo, who in the final 12 seconds organizes a 7 vs 6 with Giannotti in attack. Mirarchi shoots from a central position and passes to the free Lo Re, who invents a goal between two defenders and the goalkeeper Spinelli. It's 14-14, first point, great celebration, and tremendous emotions at Scandone.
C.N. Posillipo: Izzo, Somma 1, Angelone 1, Rocchino 1, Mattiello 2, Aiello, Serino 1, Cuccovillo 2, Briganti 1, Bertoli 4, Milicic, Saccoia, Spinelli, Valle 1. Head Coach: Giuseppe Porzio.
Training Academy Olympic Roma: Giannotti, Ballarini 1, Vitale 2, Leporale, Lo Re 1, Agh 3, Cianchetti, Kadar 1, Mirarchi 2, De Robertis 4, Tartaro, Patti, Peluso, Cotugno. Head Coach: Mario Fiorillo.
Power plays: C.N. Posillipo 7/14 + 1/1 penalty, Training Academy Olympic Roma 4/10 + 2/3 penalties.
Referees: Schiavo and Nicolosi.
Andrea Esposito
Communication Manager Olympic Roma
Photo by Pierpaolo Capano
