Holders bow out on high

By Greg Demetriou at the CEZ Arena

Italy have clinched third place at the 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship with victory against Ukraine.

Final repeat
The Azzurri relinquished the title they won as hosts in 2003 with Friday night's semi-final defeat by Russia but at least restored some pride against another eastern European rival this afternoon. The match was a repeat of the final two years ago, when Italy were 1-0 winners to take the continental title for the first time.

Goalkeeping change
Both teams were at full strength although Italy gave a chance to Farina in goal, in place of regular starter Alexander Feller. It was Alessandro Nuccorini's men who began proceedings and any suggestion that they may not be up for the contest were wiped away as Montovanelli unleashed a powerful shot within seconds.

All change
More shots from distance followed while Ukraine took time to find their feet. A tame Serhiy Sytin effort the best they could offer before both coaches changed all their outfield players with the five-minute mark approaching. Few would doubt the strength of Gennadiy Lysenchuk's first-choice five but he is still looking for the right blend when it comes to replacements.

Great goal
Nuccorini has no such problem, sending on the likes of top names Nando Grana and Adriano Foglia. The pair combined spectacularly well within a minute of arriving, with the Italy captain playing a neat-one two with Foglia before a fine toe-poke into the top corner. It was Nando Grana's sixth goal of the competition and moved him to the top of the top scorers' list.

Repeat finish
Ukraine did not respond until their main men returned. In the ninth minute, Olexiy Kudlay collected the ball in midfield and stroked it to his right into the path of the on-rushing Sytin to hit first-time through Farina's legs for the equaliser. However, Italy would finish the half the stronger and in front, Fabiano offering a carbon copy of the opening goal with four minutes left.

Zanetti class
It was 3-1 a minute into the second half when an unmarked Sandro Zanetti on the left was allowed to score with ease past Olexiy Popov. The goal was greeted with much acclaim by the small band of Italian supporters in one corner of this impressive arena. The Ukrainian support kept going, however, and continued to chant the name of their team.

Popov on-form
With captain Serhiy Koridze relatively out-of-sorts, it was left to Sytin to lead the way for Ukraine but the No10 was stranded upfield when Nando Grana went desperately close to a seventh at these finals in the 28th minute. Popov was the busier of the two goalkeepers, with Edgar Bertoni twice frustrated within a matter of seconds. Farina did have to stay alert though, doing so superbly to keep out Artem Kovalyov's well-placed shot while Sytin hit the post after a counterattack.

Lively moment
Koridze finally showed a flash of inspiration with six minutes left, a fierce shot containing all his frustration at Ukraine's elimination after being runners-up in 2001 and 2003 had Farina diving full length. Vitaliy Brunko was introduced as the extra outfield player at the end but it was to no avail.

Starting lineup
Ukraine: Olexiy Popov, Serhiy Koridze, Olexiy Kudlay, Serhiy Sytin and Fedir Pylypiv.
Italy: Farina, Montovanelli, Jocimar, Fabiano and Sandro Zanetti.