A2 M – Giorgini Ottica Muri Antichi-C.N. Latina 7-6
Second consecutive victory for Giorgini Ottica Muri Antichi, who in front of their fans managed to prevail over Latina after a hard-fought match. The opponent came to Catania with a fighting spirit and knowledge of the category, making the win all the more valuable. The team struggled to convert opportunities into goals due to multiple errors, including some clear-cut ones. Nonetheless, they secured three crucial points which, before the Christmas break, brighten the smile on Scebba's boys in terms of the standings.
THE MATCH. The guests took an early lead with doubts about the timing of the first goal. Tkac scored a penalty to equalize, but Latina showed determination with De Bonis' goal. Nicolosi leveled the score again, then captain Muscuso put Giorgini ahead following a counterattack. In the second period, defenses dominated over attacks, which were slow and compact at times. Marangolo extended the lead to 4-2, with Tkac missing another penalty shortly after, stopped by the Lazio goalkeeper. Muri kept missing chances to secure the win, allowing Latina to stay in the game with Giugliano's 4-3 goal. Giorgini Ottica then expanded their lead to three goals between the second and third quarter, with Tkac scoring with a man up and Reina netting one at the end of the action. However, Latina made a strong comeback with Serra's counterattack goal, Barela's penalty, and Lucci's long-range shot. The tense final quarter saw only Marangolo's goal, securing a hard-fought and important victory for coach Scebba's team.
THE INTERVIEWS. "We take these very important points - stated president Spinnicchia - for morale and the standings. Today we didn't perform at our best, especially in some moments where I saw less determination. Regardless, we were always in the lead and I believe this was a deserved win. We welcome hard-fought victories like this, as they allow us to assess our potential, which I believe is vast. We wanted exactly this, to end this extraordinary year with a victory. I take this opportunity to wish our players, their families, and our supporters Happy Holidays."
"It had to be a victory, and it was - said Scebba - a dirty win despite missing many chances to widen the gap. I find it hard to understand some of the referee's decisions; there are rules that must be respected. Nevertheless, all the players were excellent, from the first to the last one, they believed and fought against a combative team. They deserve credit, along with my colleague Criserà. Today we were less precise than usual, but we managed to win a crucial direct clash. Starting from Tuesday, we'll resume work, correcting our mistakes."
GIORGINI OTTICA MURI ANTICHI-C.N. LATINA 7-6
GIORGINI OTTICA MURI ANTICHI: F. Nicolosi, R. Faro, V. Nicolosi 1, D. Zovko, G. Forzese, A. Lanto, M. Marangolo 1, L. Reina 1, M. Tkac 2, V. Belfiore, L. Muscuso 2, F. Basile, C. Vittoria, F. Gagliano. Coach: Scebba.
C.N. LATINA: D. Candidi, G. De Bonis 1, L. Droghini, G. Ambrosini, F. Tarquini, D. Caponero 2, M. Giugliano 1, A. Lucci 1, A. Barela, G. Capezzone De Joannon, E. Schettino, A. Garcia, R. Giannotti, M. Serta 1. Coach: Criserà.
Referees: Schiavo and Rizzo.
Notes. Quarters: 3-2, 2-1, 1-3, 1-0. No player fouled out. Power play goals: Muri Antichi 4/9 + one penalty, Latina 2/12. Ambrosini (L) was expelled for unsportsmanlike behavior in the third quarter.
Davide Caltabiano
Press Office Giorgini Ottica Muri Antichi Catania
