Italy show class against Belarus
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Article summary
Italy secured two convincing friendly wins against fellow finalists Belarus to continue their unbeaten record under coach Roberto Menichelli, Gabriel Lima and debutant Cristian Rizzo scoring their first international goals.
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Italy secured two convincing friendly victories against fellow UEFA European Futsal Championship finalists Belarus to continue their unbeaten record under coach Roberto Menichelli.
Victories
Appointed earlier this year, Menichelli has already recorded five wins and two draws before this week's encounters, including the 3-0 defeat of Belarus in Kaunas that secured their place in January's finals in Hungary. In the first of the friendly fixtures in Pesaro, the Azzurri won 7-2, and it was 5-2 the next day in Urbino.
Bacaro stars
Vinicius Bacaro, back from serious injury, was the star of Tuesday's game, scoring twice and setting up Marcio Forte for another. Gabriel Lima claimed his first international goal, and 18-year-old Cristian Rizzo scored on his debut, the 15th player given a bow by Menichelli. Edgar Bertoni and Saad Assis were also on target as Luca Ippoliti made his first appearance in five years. Vadzim Lushkouski had given Belarus and early lead and Uladzimir Zhdanovich also scored. The next day Marcelo Moreira stole the show with a hat-trick alongside another Lima strike and Patrick Nora's goal. Ilya Huryn scoreed for Belarus alongside an own goal by Omori Duarte.
Menichelli pleased
"We taking steps forward," said Menichelli. "We played two good games against a very motivated team. The lads were careful and concentrated. The progress of Italian futsal is strong, with the help of the more expert players, a group of youngsters are gaining experience. The more they are on the pitch and the more they learn." Italy, in a finals group with Belgium and Ukraine, next take on Romania on 15 and 16 December in Rome.
Useful experience
Belarus coach Valery Dasko said: "We played two good and useful games. Italy are a very strong team and one of the most honoured at European level. They pressed strongly and changed many players from the first game to the next, it was difficult to face them. I didn't notice many differences between the qualification game in Kaunas and these two friendlies, even if here in Italy there was Bacaro who caused us many difficulties; he made a great impression on me. In the European Championship we have a very difficult group, but we will give our best and fight until the end." Up against holders Spain and Portugal in Group D in January, Belarus next go to Rio de Janeiro to meet world champions Brazil on 8 and 9 November.
