A2 M - Giorgini Ottica Muri Antichi - Circolo Canottieri Napoli 8-8

First point collected by Giorgini Ottica Muri Antichi who deservedly secures a draw against Circolo Canottieri Napoli in the end of a vibrant and balanced match. The Neapolitans came into the challenge with only victories in the first two rounds, while Muri was still dry but eager for redemption, and that's what happened. It was a chess-like game played on equal footing by Scebba's men, who, as always, did not disband even in the most difficult moments. The pivotal moment of the match came in the third period: Napoli leading by +2, a penalty missed by Muri, and immediately after, the visiting team's maximum advantage increased to +3. Giorgini stood tall as a great team and with the strength of the group, they came back, equalizing twice in the end with Tkac and Marangolo, and with Vittoria being the protagonist in the final action, they earned a more than deserved point that finally moves the standings.

THE MATCH. In the first period, defenses clearly prevailed, with Muri struggling to find the way to score against an aggressive defense by Massa's men. Confuorto scored in a man-up situation after almost 5 minutes of play. The second period opened with a goal by Giorgini's Tkac who took advantage of a man-up situation, then again Confuorto capitalized on a penalty to give Napoli a new lead. The back and forth continued with another penalty, this time in favor of Muri Antichi, converted by Marangolo. Canottieri responded with Gargiulio scoring from the center to make it 2-3. In the third period, Canottieri struck with Esposito for the game's first double advantage. Giorgini, fully engaged in the match and led by Vittoria, quickly closed the gap with a goal by Reina (3-4). The attacks now seemed more lively: Confuorto, facing Vittoria, managed to score again, then another penalty in favor of Muri Antichi after good work in the center by Zovko, but Marangolo had his conclusion saved. Canottieri accelerated decisively with Raia scoring for the +3 lead. Giorgini found rhythm and pride again: Zovko well served by Tkac and Nicolosi assisted by Forzese brought things back in line to a new -1. The final period saw Napoli scoring again with a beautiful goal from Tozzi, but Giorgini was efficient with a man-up situation thanks to Forzese, who capitalized on Tkac's assist to make it 6-7. This time, Tkac shed his assistman role to become a scorer, finding the equalizer with a little over 2 minutes left in the match. It wasn't over, with Confuorto calmly converting a penalty to put Canottieri ahead, but Marangolo forcefully equalized again with just over a minute left. Muri failed to capitalize on the next opportunity, and Canottieri, with a man-up in the final seconds, failed to surpass Vittoria, who made a miraculous save, ending the game in an 8-8 draw.

INTERVIEWS. "Beautiful game and well-deserved point," declares Luigi Spinnicchia. "It almost felt like missing an opportunity, but it's fine like this. A performance at a high level, but I'm certain we still have room for improvement, which gives us confidence for the rest of the season. Up until now, we've had a tough schedule, and we are ready to face the next teams. We are here and are absolutely in line with this championship. Today, another great team performance came with our Cristiano Vittoria, who once again took control of the defense and greatly contributed to the result."

"We prepared for this match at our best, and it showed," admits Aurelio Scebba. "We avoided making the mistakes of previous games, and we succeeded. We were excellent in man-up situations (4/6) and man-down situations (4/11). We knew they relied on their goalkeeper Caruso, who I consider the strongest in the championship, but today Vittoria proved he can compete at this level. I saw, as always, a team that gives its all and never disbands, and I can't help but be proud of that. We are not concerned about the result; we have added another building block to our great work that grows week by week. We are moving up the standings; we drew against the strongest, so Muri Antichi is here. Now, on to Ischia!"

 GIORGINI OTTICA MURI ANTICHI-AC GROUP CANOTTIERI NAPOLI 8-8

 GIORGINI OTTICA MURI ANTICHI: F. Nicolosi, R. Faro, V. Nicolosi 1, D. Zovko 1, G. Forzese 1, A. Lanto, M. Marangolo 2, L. Reina 1, M. Tkac 2, V. Belfiore, L. Muscuso, F. Basile, C. Vittoria, A. Marano. Coach: Scebba.

AC GROUP CANOTTIERI NAPOLI: E. Caruso, K. Guadagni, S. Iacovelli, M. Coda, G. Confuorto 4, V. Raia 1, D. Mutariello, M. Gargiulo 1, M. Parisi, V. Tozzi 1, B. Borrelli, U. Esposito 1, P. Fuorto, M. Catullo. Coach: Massa.

Referees: Ricciotti and Scarciolla.

Notes. Quarters: 0-1, 2-2, 3-3, 3-2. Basile (M) and Tkac (M) exited due to fouls limit in the third and fourth quarters respectively, as did Parisi (CCN). Massa (N) was expelled as a coach in the fourth quarter. Man-up situations: Giorgini Ottica Muri Antichi 6/8 + one penalty and AC Group Canottieri Napoli 4/11 + 2 penalties. Approximately 150 spectators.

Davide Caltabiano
Press Office Giorgini Ottica Muri Antichi Catania