Romania 2-2 Argentina (7-6 after penalties)

 Argentina, devastated by some important absences, put up a great performance today and pushed their fancied opponents all the way to an exciting penalty shoot-out. Argentina opened the scoring when Antoine passed into the penalty area and Sam flicked the ball past Martti. Antoine might have doubled the lead immediately but, with Martti hopelessly out of position, Antoine dragged his shot wide. Claudio tried to equalise before half tie but Noel made a good save. The second half opened with a repeat of this closing action, Noel's save been better this time as the ball curled away viciously. Claudio shot again soon after and this time Piervalerio followed up to poke home an equaliser. Argentina heads dropped, but only briefly. Steve came on to roars of approval and made an immediate impact. His strong rub down the right made space in the middle and Giovanni Vittorio timed his run from midfield perfectly to meet Steve's sweet cross: 2-1 to Argentina! With only seconds left on the clock, Claudio picked out Lorenzo G on the right and the tournaments top scorer slotted home cooly to make it 2-2.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Noel 3, Giovanni V 3, Antoine 2, Steve 2, Lorenzo G 2, Claudio 2, Mostafa 1, Sam 1, Rex 1, Piervalerio 1

France 5-2 Argentina

 Goals from Edo (3), Matteo (1), Lorenzo I (1) and Jacopo (2).

BOYS semi-final: USA 2-1 Mexico

 For a while, it looked like the passion and energy of Mexico might be enough to overcome a colder, more rational USA. Maverick set up his brother for a clear shot on goal but Max's shot came back off the bar. The bar had barely stopped shaking when Carlo struck it again and Mexico changed sides at half time with a feeling that they maybe should have been ahead. In the second half, Federico began to take control of the midfield and USA began to purr. Lorenzo F had a shot saved by Tor and then he went over in the area to clain a penalty. Referee Corcoran waved play on and VAR chose not to intervene. But USA kept pressing and Lorenzo'z next intervention was an assist to Leopoldo, who finished cooly using the outside of his foot to curl the ball home. USA's in-form striker struck again to make it 2-0 and Lorenzo F looked like he had added a third but VAR determined that the ball had not crossed the line when it banged down off the bar. Max stole a late consolation but USA progresses to the final.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Leopoldo 4, Lorenzo F 4, Federico 3, Max 3, Maverick 2, Carlo 2, Tor 1, Filippo 2

Cameroon 3-2 Romania

 Cameroon set a new record today for the number of goals disallowed in a single IM match... four! Despite this, they still managed to beat a Romania team that now faces a SF with the worst possible preparation. Can captain Rex pull his team together in time? We shall see....

Anyway: Lorenzo G kicked off today's action with an early goal that helps to seal his commanding position at the top of the goal-scoring charts. Giulio R thought he had equalised for Cameroon but Referee Corcoran disallowed the goal as Giulio had removed his green shirt before receiving the ball. Diego did equalise immediately afterwards but Cameroon then had a second goal disallowed: after Cristian had finished off Gabriele's assist, it transpired that Cameroon had an extra player on the pitch: no goal! Again however, Diego stepped up immediately afterwards to score and now Cameroon were 2-1 ahead at the break. At the beginning of the second half, Cameroon struck the crossbar to remind Romania that they were in for a torrid 15'. Then, two more disallowed goals for Cameroon! First, Giulio rifled home a shot from the edge of the penalty area but not before he had screamed 'lascia!'. Second, a foul on the goalkeeper was spotted by the referee. But again, Cameroon did score a valid goal. Giulio R's shot was well saved but Gabriele followed up to bundle the ball over the line. The ever-vigilant and ever-dangerous LG was on hand to steal a second goal near the end but the three points went to Cameroon.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Giulio R 4, Gabriele 3, Diego 3, Lorenzo G 3, Piervalerio 2, Rex 2, Cristian 2, Lupo 2

USA 5-3 Mexico

 Captain Ashton got his team off to a fast start, his assist setting up Lorenzo F for the first part of an impressive hat-trick, this one nodded home. Maverick brought a save from Lucas and Lorenzo F brought a save from Tor but Lorenzo was on hand for his second goal when Carlo failed to clear a ball from the box. Leopoldo headed home another goal to make it 3-0 at half-time. Mexico reorganised impressively at half time. Erin passed to Carlo and his cross was well finished by Max to make it 3-1. A second goal almost came when a ball was canoned off Maverick and onto the bar but then it did come when Carlo slammed home a shot from 20m out. Mexico were rampant... briefly.... and then Federico quashed the flames with a fourth for USA. Maverick scored to add some jeopardy again but Lorenzo F has the last word and the last goal. 

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Lorenzo F 6, Federico 3, Lorenzo C 3, Max 2, Maverick 2, Carlo 2, Leopoldo 2, Ashton 1

AICS League, GOLD division: SF, first leg AMBRIT 8-3 Santa Melania

 Having finished fourth in the league, Ambrit looked to be up against it in the semi final as they faced the league winners, Santa Melania - unbeaten in 18 games so far this year... until today! Mr.Alessandro and his team conjured up one of their best performances of the year and, in the opening period, the score flipped from 1-0 to 1-1 to 2-1 to 2-2. But in the second half, Ambrit put their foot to the accelerator and cruised majestically past their opponents and into a 8-2 lead! It should have ended there, but the referee allowed the visitors to pull back a goal in the end when play should really have been stopped for an injury. Let's hope that it doesn't become an important goal later on...! Gola today from Giovanni (3), Filippo (2), Noel, Edo and Diego.

Romania 2-4 Argentina

 With four members of the successful Ambrit Med Cup team on their side, Argentina were always going to be the favourites to win this tie - especially with Claudio absent for Romania - and they did. But it was Romania who took the lead. Currently leading the top-scorer charts, Lorenzo G punished Noel for a careless pass. But it didn't take long for Argentina to draw level. Jacopo played in his captain and Antoine - chasing Lorenzo for the Golden Boot - scored. Jacopo put Steve in just after that but Steve shot over. Steve scored with his next chance though, the assist provided this time by Antoine. A good header by Lorenzo G almost made it 2-2 but Argentina led at the break. In the second half, Sam continued to win a lot of ball in midfield for the South Americans and Jacopo continued to torture the Romanians with his usual dribbling skills. Only Raul was able to stop him with any consistency. Jacopo passed to Steve and Steve grabbed his second of the game. Giovanni set up Steve too but his shot this time rattled back off the bar! Antoine followed up by hitting the post when he should have scored and Jacopo himself scored the fourth. Lorenzo G finished neatly into the bottom corner for a goal that was a consolation to his team but another important one for his personal tally.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Raul 5, Jacopo 4, Sam 3, Antoine 3, Steve 2, Martti 2, Rex 1, Giovanni V 

Celtic 0-0 Shakhtar

 A tactical battle between two well-organised sides today. Goal chances were few and far between; Aurora always looked to be the biggest threat for Shakhtar and, indeed, she was today's player of the match - ably abetted by intelligent play from Sophie and Valerie in midfield. On the other side, Chloe worked hard all over the pitch and drove her team forward to good effect.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Aurora 4, Chloe 3, Valerie 2, Sophie 2, Gracie 2,  Angela 1, Megan 2, Livia 2, Carla 1, Amba 1, Sara 1

Cameroon 3-2 Italy

 After Diego's early goal was disallowed (Cameroon had an extra player on the pitch), Vittoria popped up to score for Italy. Diego almost equalised immediately but Megan made a fantastic save. A last-minute own-goal then saw the teams turn around at 1-1. Diego was not to be stopped though and he got his goal early in the second half. But Italy refused to lie down and Livia brought the teams level with 5' to play. Italy were unlucky not to take home a point... Christian blasted home a winner late in the game.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Christian 3, Antonio 3, Diego 3, Megan 3, Giulio 1, Angela 1, Erin 1, Aurora 1, Sara 1, Livia 1, Vittoria 1

SAM 89 0-2 Ambrit

 A steady performance today from an Ambrit team that always looked in control and never really risked missing out on an important three points. Two first half goals from Giovanni - the first a bit of a goalmouth scramble, the second a clean strike - should really have been added to but the SAM goalkeeper had an excellent game. Edoardo could have scored when the ball came back off the post but he managed to put it wide and the first half ended with a fantastic - and important - save from Mostafa to keep the score 2-0 at the break. In the second half, Ambrit's best chances fell when Leone's free kick was going in but stopped by an excellent save; and then to Gabriel when a beautiful pass from Giovanni sent him clear. Diego brought another great save from the keeper with a long shot and, despite what the home crowd thought ("Ao, ma er 9 fa solo falli!"), Diego was Ambrit's best player on the pitch today: always moving, always tackling, always showing for the ball, always holding up the play and always bringing others into the game: well done!

France 4-3 Italy

A classic of European football served up another absorbing episode today, France coming from behind to topple le azzurre at the end. Italy had taken the lead with a well-worked goal: Alessandra controlled the ball, calmly passed to Sara on the right and Sara scored with a precision shot into the bottom corner. Aurora had two attempts on goal and Gabe had a good shot too before Sara added a second for Italy with another typically cool finish. Almost before celebrations had died down though, Lorenzo pulled one back for France a with a long shot that should have been dealt with and the teams turned around at 2-1. With their plans disrupted by disqualifications/detentions, France drafted in Clotilde at half time and, from a Lorenzo corner, she immediately scored with a well-timed volley to make it 2-2. France then took advantage of their opponents' moment of distraction to make it 3-2... Lorenzo to Freddie to Gabe and in! The action continued: goalscorer Gabe handled in the area... penalty to Italy... taken by Livia... saved by Lorenzo! Did the girls' heads go down? NO! Almost immediately, the ball fell to Una on the right and she scored the best goal of the game with a searing shot that no goalkeeper could have saved. At 3-3, both teams deserved a point but, right at the end, another France corner was squeezed in at the near post, with Anteo getting the last touch on the ball!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Sara 3, Anna 3, Alessandra 2, Maeve 2, Angela 2, Anteo 2, Lorenzo I 2, Gabe 2, Zoe 1, Livia 1,  Una 1

Stuttgart 0-0 Shakhtar

 Con diverse assenze pesanti, le due squadre si affrontano con tanto agonismo, ma con rare occasioni da gol. Prove robuste delle due difese, qualche "sgroppata" di Angela, una bella traversa di Sophie e poco altro.

Le due squadre che - presumibilmente - si contenderanno il titolo in finale, speriamo riescano a produrre qualcosa in più...

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Angela 3, Sophie 2, Ginevra 2, Greta 2, Una 2, Aurora 2, Alessandra 2, Sofia 1, Valerie 1, Letizia 1.

Mexico 2-1 Cameroon

 A cheeky flick from Maverick opened the Cameroon defence early on and Max scored with an accurate left across the helpless Cameroon keeper. Cameroon's expensive signing - Antonio - was busy in midfield though and, when he got the ball back after his own throw in, he let fly with a shot that was too powerful for Tor to stop. But Cameroon's foothold in the game was loosened again immediately when Gianluigi dribbled through most of their team and shot home for 2-1. The second half was another entertaining few minutes of football but nor more goal were added. Max turned well in teh area but his shot was saved and Maverick hit the bar. Tor made an excellent and important double save to keep out shots from Antonio and Diego.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Antonio 3, Gianluigi 3, Maverick 3, Max 3, Diego 2, Giulio 2,  Tor 2, Christian 1, Gabriele 1, José 1

USA 5-0 Italy

 Federico set up Ashton for goal n. 1 and the teams turned around at 1-0. USA dominated the second half and two goals each from Federico and Leopoldo sealed the win.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Federico 5, Angela 3, Leopoldo 3, Livia 3, Alessandra 2, Sara 2, Anna 1, Vittoria Na 1, Junio 1 

Stuttgart 1-0 Celtic

 Un Celtic rimaneggiato, ma con una super Alessandra in porta, non riesce a portare a casa almeno il punto del pareggio (che avrebbe senz'altro meritato), trafitto da una bordata della solita Erin, molto difficile da contenere.

Lo Stuttgart ha fatto una partita attenta, senza correre grandi rischi, puntando più a difendersi che ad attaccare. Il Celtic invece non è riuscito a "pungere", pur avendo dato l'impressione di poter colpire...

Adesso per il Celtic si fa dura, e per qualificarsi alla finale, potrebbe addirittura non bastare una vittoria nello scontro diretto con lo Shakhtar, che ha due partite ancora da giocare.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Erin 3, Sara 2, Livia 2, Carla 2, Gracie 2, Ludovica 1, Una 1, Giada 1, Caterina 1,  Sofia 1.

Romania 4-1 USA

 The first half was marked by two penalties - one for each side. Junio charged Lorenzo G in the are to give the first one to Romania: LG converted. USA's  penalty was awarded when Lorenzo C's shot, heading for the top corner, was blocked by Claudio's hand: Lorenzo F converted. Romania started the second half brightly, LG striking the post. A shot from Claudio was then deflected past Lucas to give Romania the lead and Claudio added two goals later on. Federico did his best to bring USA back into the game but to no avail.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Claudio 5, Raul 3, Tancredi 3, Federico 2, Lorenzo G 1, Lorenzo C 1, Lorenzo F 1, Lucas 1, Martti 1, Filippo 1, Leopoldo 1, Piervalerio 1

Celtic 3-0 Monaco

 Celtic belied their lowly position in the table today with a second half performance that left Monaco gasping in their wake. The first half was an absorbing and evenly-contested 15' of good passing football, though scoring chances were rare. Both Sara and Carla tested Maeve in the Monaco goal with solid shots but Maeve saved them both. At the other end, Clotilde tested Alessandra but with the same result. After the break, Zoe broke through to shoot but, again, Alessandra saved well. Livia had a chance to open the scoring when Maeve rushed out to block the ball but Livia's attempted lob was too high. But Vittoria, Viola and especially Anna were now working hard to keep the marauding highlanders at bay and they could do nothing to stop Chloe's fiercely-struck left-foot shot from midfield that caught Maeve by surprise: 1-0! Monaco were still in the game though. Clotilde and Camilla were combining well in midfield and Zoe was always a threat going forward but Carla was everywhere in defence - winning ball after ball after ball. Then Celtic who scored again. A poor ball out of defence fell to Livia and she calmly passed to Sara on the right. A good first touch from Sara, a good second touch and a good shot into the corner! Chloe scored again at the death to make it an emphatic victory.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Carla 4, Anna 3, Chloe 2, Clotilde 2, Camilla 2, Maeve 2, Sara 2, Zoe 1, Viola 1, Vittoria 1

AICS League, Gold Category: Ambrit 5-3 Hell Valley

 A tough match today with the result never certain until the end. The sequence of scoring says it all.. Ambrit went ahead 1-0, then 2-0,2-1, 3-1, 3-2, 4-2, 4-3, 5-3!

Shakhtar 1-0 Celtic

 Continua il momento no del Celtic, ancora fermo a 1 punto in classifica, nonostante una buona gara contro il forte Shakhtar. Numerose occasioni dalle due parti, ma una sola rete, nata da un tiro di Alessandra, con deviazione decisiva di Aurora nella porta dell'incolpevole Ludovica, insuperabile fino a quel momento. Il Celtic ha provato a reagire, in particolare con un'azione personale di Sara, che - dopo aver superato tre avversarie - ha colpito il palo pieno.

Insomma, la differenza l'hanno fatta le difese, dove Carla e Angela sono state attentissime e hanno bloccato molte delle azioni avversarie. Ma...niente paura, è appena terminato il girone d'andata e le squadre dovranno tutte affrontarsi nuovamente. Nulla dunque è perduto.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Angela 3, Carla 3, Aurora 3, Alessandra 2, Ludovica 2, Sara 2, Sophie 1, Livia 1, Chloe 1.

Mexico 3-1 France

 After a bruising defeat to Argentina, Mexico needed a reaction fro their key players and they got it! Maverick got things off to a flying start with a great run on the right, followed by a well-placed pass to Max in the middle. Max scored to make it 1-0. Not long after, the brothers swapped roles, Max providing an assist for Maverick but Mattia made a fantastic save - the first of many! Les Bleus equalised when Freddie played in Edo and, as usual, Edo didn't miss the chance: 1-1. Maverick had a chance to put Mexico ahead before the interval but... Mattia saved. And straight after the turn-around, Mattia saved another one, this time from Max. But Max was not to be denied. Carlo played a long ball into space and Max burned the defence with a devastating turn of pace before drilling the ball into the bottom corner. Freddie had a great chence to equalilse off Edo's pass but he blasted the ball over the bar. Maverick forced Mattia into yet another great save and Tor made a great save too, stopping Edoardo from adding a second. The last goal was a cracker. Simone forced his way through two tackles, played a one-two with Gianluigi and buried the shot!

BEST PLAYER POINTS:  Mattia 6, Max 5, Maverick 4, Simone 3, Gianluigi 1, Tor 1, Edoardo 1

Argentina 5-2 Mexico

 After an early burst where Gianluigi set up Maverick for a fine opening strike, Mexico's play deteriorated and the contrast between their frenetic and disorganized approach compared to the calmness and neatness in the Argentinian play was evident. Noel controlled the ball and played a lovely pass to Mostafa; his vertical pass released Jacopo for the equaliser. In the second half, Argentina's next goal also came from  Noel pass, this time straight to Steve who slammed the ball home. Antoine made it 3-1, following up a save from Jacopo's free kick and Ccarlo nearly pulled one back but Giovanni made a brave save. Tor was too casual and presented Antoine with a second goal to make it 41. Carlo did pull one back then when Max played him in after a fine run that cut through the Argentinian midfield. Jacopo scored a trademark goal to seal the win.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Antoine 3, Jacopo 3, Noel 3, Steve 3, Gianluigi 2, Carlo 2, Maverick 1, Max 1, Mostafa 1, Simone 1, Giovanni V 1

AICS League: Ambrit 6-4 Semplicitas

 After last week's defeat, Ambrit stormed back today to capture the three points in an exciting game that saw the lead change hands three times. Both teams started strongly and both teams bagged two early goals - Giovanni+Diego - to leave the score at 2-2. The visitors, well-organised and full of running, then hit Ambrit twice without response and charged into a 4-2 lead. But Ambrit were playing well. Led by an inspired Giovanni Mori in midfield and by Diego Amendola up front, the Tajani boys dragged themselves back to 4-4 as Giovanni completed his hat-trick. Next up, Lorenzo Levi: he collected the ball on the half-way line, took a few steps to set himself up and then unleashed a rocket into the top corner to put Ambrit ahead! The victory was sealed when Giovanni dribbled through the entire defence to score his fourth of the day!

AICS League: Monteverde Bianco 5-2 Ambrit

 A first defeat of the season was fully deserved today, as almost every player on the Ambrit team looked out of form. In the first minute, Monetverde struck the crossbar from a free kick and then scored a few seconds later. Ambrit managed to exert period of pressure then but Monteverde scored a lucky second goal on the break. The hosts continued to win all the second balls and a third goal came after 18'. Ambrit pulled one back before half time through Edoardo. In the second half, more early pressure from Ambrit was in vain; Monteverde attacked and were clinical again: 4-1. Things might have worsened very quickly but for Tor: playing in goal today, he pulled off some second-half heroics, making at least five crucial saves. To their credit, Ambrit did keep trying, did keep running, did keep tackling. They pulled the score back to 4-2 and hope was briefly rekindled... before being finally snuffed out by a fifth Monteverde goal.

France 1-3 USA

 This was a match dominated by the USA. Federico and Junio controlled the midfield from the start and, after the opening exchanges, Federico found Lorenzo F free on the left. Lorenzo cut the ball back to Leopoldo; he struck the ball as sweetly as you like and it flew past Mattia for 1-0. The next chance for USA fell to Federico, sneaking in for a far-post header but the ball finished up in the side netting. Captain Ashton next fired over an accurate cross and, thanks to a perfectly-timed run, Leopoldo met the ball with a powerful header to make it 2-0. Captain Ashton was involved again for goal no. 3. His shot was initially saved by Mattia but, when the ball broke free, Lorenzo F was on hand to tuck it home - a just reward to Lorenzo F for a fine game of tackling, movement and all-round involvement. France pulled a goal back when Gabriel's straight pass gave Edoardo a half-chance and a half-chance is all that Edo needs. Other French chances were repeatedly snuffed out by an in-form lorenzo C and USA came close to a fourth goal when Mattia saved from Junio. Lorenzo I almost got France back into the game but Lucas tipped his shot over for a corner.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Federico 3, Leopoldo 3, Lorenzo F 3, Ashton 3, Junio 2, Lorenzo C 2, Edo 1, Lorenzo I 1, Mattia 1, Gabriel 1, Lucas 1

Stuttgart 1-0 Monaco

 Sul difficile campo di oggi, allagato e scivoloso, lo Stuttgart strappa una difficile vittoria al Monaco, grazie a un eurogol di Una dalla lunga distanza. La partita si è svolta in sostanziale equilibrio, ma le tedesche hanno avuto il guizzo giusto, mentre le monegasche, pur affiatate e volitive, hanno trovato di fronte una squadra attenta, a partire da Sofia, una bella sorpresa in porta.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Anna 4, Erin 3, Viola 3, Vittoria 3, Zoe 2, Una 2, Ginevra 2, Sofia 2, Maeve 2, Caterina 1, Suleyma 1, Greta 1, Clotilde 1.

Monaco 1-1 Celtic

 Con la formazione del Monaco finalmente al completo il Celtic ha dovuto soffrire, subendo le iniziative delle avversarie e cercando di colpire in contropiede. La tattica ha avuto effetto quando un rilancio sbilenco del portiere ha consentito a Livia di portare il Celtic sull'1-0. 

La reazione del Celtic è stata veemente, ma le occasioni da gol non sono state molte, complice la buona tenuta difensiva delle scozzesi guidata da Gracie e Carla. Verso la fine della partita è arrivato finalmente il meritato pareggio del Monaco, con una prodezza di Zoe, larga a sinistra, che si è girata da posizione defilata e ha trafitto il portiere con u diagonale sul palo opposto.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS:

Vittoria N 3, Zoe 3, Anna 2, Livia 2, Sara 2, Maeve 2, Gracie 2, Carla 2, Chloe 1, Isabella 1, Viola 1. 

Argentina 2-2 Cameroon

 After the opening skirmishes, Argentina took the lead when Jacopo passed to Giovanni V in a central position, 15m from goal. Giovanni hit the ball cleanly, aiming it past the defender and into the bottom corner - no chance for the Cameroon goalkeeper. Cameroon has one good chance to equalise before the break, but Antoine put in a fantastic block on Antonio's shot. Antonio made up for this immediately after the break though, making a good run and then shooting cleverly, using the defenders to screen the shot from Sam. Cameroon then took the lead when Antonio found Ryan with a long throw and Ryan tucked the ball home. Three points might have flattered the Africans and captain Antoine saw to it that the Argentinians would not go home empty-handed. With an acrobatic intervention to win a ball in midfield that he really had no right to win, he let fly a scorcher that flew into the net to salvage a point.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Antoine 5, Antonio 4, Giovanni V 3, Ryan 3, Jacopo 3, Mostafa 1, Diego 1, Anan 1 

Mexico 5-1 Italy

 The Stone brothers weaved a web of magic today, lulling their opponents into a false sense of security and then sinking them with a series of cynical hits. Maverick supplied the pass for Max's opener but Italy hit back quickly, a great run down the left from Sara taking her around two defenders before she forced the ball past Tor in goal. Italy almost stole the lead when Sara opened up the defence again but Tor kept Livia's attempt out this time. Next, Max returned the favour of an assist and Maverick made it 2-1. Gianluigi set up  the third for Max just before half time. Immediately after the break, Sara broke free on the right and picked put Aurora with a good pass. Aurora's shot went wide and Mexico banged in two more goals - Max and Gianluigi - to take the points.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Sara 3, Max 3, Maverick 3, Erin 3, Angela 3, Gianluigi 1, Livia 1, José 1, Simone 1, Aurora 1, Caterina 1

France 2-0 Cameroon

 Two teams today with a lot of players missing but, luckily, there were lots of girls eager to fill in. And how well they played! Though not eligible for points, Erin was Player of the match and Aurora wasn't far behind her!! Captain Freddie banged France into the lead with a 20-meter stunner half-way through the first half and Edo had the only other good chance when Matteo played him in but Christian saved well. In the second half, Christian did some good work down the left and cut back a dangerous cross but bone of his team mates had gambled and the chance was wasted. Cameroon's best chance of a goal came when the ball fell to Gabriele on the edge of the area. He struck it cleanly and the ball seemed destined for the net but Mattia pulled off an excellent save. France's second goal came from a penalty: Aurora slotted the ball home confidently and nearly added a second at the end but her header skimmed off the crossbar and over.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Christian 4, Matteo 3, Gabriel 3, Mattia 3, Gabriele 2, Freddie 2, Diego 2, Edoardo 1, Ryan 1

AICS League: Gold Level, AMBRIT 7-2 Forum

 Ambrit kicked off Part 2 of the league with a convincing 7-2 victory! Goals from: Giovanni 3, Edoardo 2, Lorenzo F 1, Leone 1, Matteo 1 

Romania 4-2 Italy

 What looked early on in the match to be an easy victory for Romania turned into a bit of a scramble towards the end as Italy finally found their form. Half time saw the Romanians with a comfortable 3-0 lead, with goals from Lorenzo G (2) and Pier Valerio. It could have been more, but Erin cleared ball after ball out of defence and Aurora was, as usual, courageous in goal. Sara came on at half time and added some lucidity and calm to the Italian attack, and her passes brought Livia more into the game. Then, half-way through this second half, Megan had the ball in the net but referee Corcoran had already blown his whistle for a free kick... he should really have played the advantage. From the free kick, Rex was penalised for a handball on the line but Claudio saved the penalty! But nothing could stop Italy now as they drove forward in search of a goal. Powered in particular by Vittoria N's energy, they had Romania on the run and it was Vittoria who got the goal. Romania had barely kicked off when Italy stole the ball again and Livia rounded two defenders and rolled in a second goal. At 3-2, anything now looked possible and Claudio decided it was time to come out and play. First he tried a long shot that almost found the target and then he played an assist to Lorenzo G who gratefully accepted the gist and completed his hat-trick.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Vittoria N 4, Claudio 3, Livia 3, Erin 3, Lorenzo G 3, Sara 2, Megan 2, Aurora 1, Rex 1

Shakhtar 0-0 Stuttgart

 Sono mancate le reti, ma non le emozioni nella partita di oggi, con due squadre molto fisiche e molta voglia di portare a casa un bel risultato. Difese attente, qualche tiro da fuori, soprattutto per le tedesche, e un palo clamoroso delle ucraine, di Angela, a portiere battuto...

Insomma, per lunghi tratti la partita ha offerto un buon livello tecnico, con duelli anche parecchio accesi, come il derby casalingo tra Erin e Megan. Il pareggio finale è forse il risultato più giusto.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Una 4, Erin 3, Angela 3, Alessandra 2, Valerie 2, Aurora 2, Suleyma 1, Letizia 1, Megan 1, Ginevra 1, Sophie 1, Sofia 1, Aissatou 1.

USA 3-1 Argentina

 No shortage of goalmouth action today as these two teams went at each other from the off. Lorenzo F tested Giovanni Vittorio in the Argentinian goal with two early shots - one an acrobatic bicycle kick - but GV was equal to them both. In between though, USA took the lead when Leopoldo's well-struck free kick went in, helped by a small but crucial deflection off Jacopo. USA double their lead before half time, this one coming from a shot driven in by Federico and going in off GV. Argentina's attacks lacked coordination though and their passing was poor. Steve did have a chance but Lorenzo C made a great blocking tackle, and Jacopo did have a shot that came back off the post.

Early inn the second half, captain Antoine played in Steve again but Steve was off balance when he shot and the ball trickled wide. Jacopo hit the post again, this time from a free kick, and then he had two more shots saved by Lorenzo C - now in goal for USA. At the other end, Giovanni Vittorio made a good save to keep out Federico but it was Argentina now dominating possession and territory. Jacopo played in Steve... another wide. Jacopo took a throw-in to Antoine and, finally, Argentina got on the scoreboard when Antoine's mis-hit shot went in! For a while, it seemed that Argenina might grab a point... but then Federico hammered home a third goal for USA and, when Steve chased down a ball in the hope of pulling one back for Argentina, he mis-timed a final lunge for the ball and took Lorenzo C's knee instead. Red card for Steve (misses next game), defeat for Argentina and three points for Ashton's team.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Federico 3, Jacopo 2, Junio 2, Leopoldo 2, Lorenzo C 2, Lorenzo F 2,  Giovanni V 2, Filippo 1, Giovanni M 1, Noel 1, Mostafa 1, Steve 1, Ashton 1 

Romania 5-1 Mexico

 The absence of Tor today left Mexico without a first-choice goalkeeper and they paid the price. With Martti in goal for the Romania, Rex's team never looked like losing. Rex himself was a whirlwind of activity all through the game and good possession was constantly supplied to Lorenzo G and Claudio going forward. A first goal-  converted by Claudio - was canceled when referee Corcoran noted an extra player on the pitch. But not to worry, Romania were soon on the attack again and Lorenzo G and Claudio notched a goal each before the break. More of the same in the second half. Max and Maverick combined well on occasion; Gianluigi threatened too but Romania held firm, underpinned by Raul 'insuperabile'. Two more goals for Lorenzo and one for Pier Valerio, with Max grabbing a consolation goal late on.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Lorenzo G 5, Martti 4, Rex 3, Claudio 3, Piervalerio 2, Gianluigi 2, Raul 2, Max 1

Stuttgart 2-1 Celtic

 Una partita epica, rocambolesca, molto fisica quella giocata oggi all'Ambrit Arena!

Tante ragazze hanno espresso un calcio di buon livello, rendendo difficile per i giudici valutare una ragazza migliore in campo. Infatti, da una parte e dall'altra, si è combattuto a viso aperto. 

Nel primo tempo è stato lo Stuttgart a fare la partita e il Celtic principalmente a difendersi, eppure nei contropiede la squadra scozzese è stata da subito pericolosissima, con una Sara in grande forma, capace di dialogare con Livia e di far partire in velocità Chloe. Proprio in una di queste occasioni Sara è riuscita con una bella azione personale a portare in vantaggio la sua squadra: tiro di destro rasoterra che bacia il palo ed entra in rete.

La reazione delle tedesche non si fa aspettare: da un rilancio un po' pasticciato della difesa del Celtic la palla arriva a Suleyma, che non ci pensa due volte e spara in rete in maniera imparabile. 

Quello che avrebbe potuto essere un colpo al morale del Celtic si rivela invece la scintilla che accede la partita: le ragazze capitanate da Chloe attaccano con grande convinzione, mentre sui numerosi ribaltamenti di fronte Erin prova alcuni tiri dei suoi, non trovando la porta.

La partita si risolve a due minuti dalla fine, quando astutamente Una batte un calcio d'angolo potente al centro dell'area, che rimbalza su un difensore e rotola in porta. Una sconfitta amara per il Celtic, che avrebbe meritato almeno un punto, ma che avrà sicuramente la possibilità di rifarsi nelle prossime partite.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Sara 4, Suleyma 3, Carla 3, Una 2, Greta 2, Erin 2, Chloe 2, Amba 1, Isabella 1,  Gracie 1, Livia 1.

USA 4-0 Cameroon

 

A crazy and chaotic first half produced a lot of excitement but few chances and it finished 0-0. Federico did have a good shot well saved by Christian and he also set up Lorenzo F with a great chance but Lorenzo could only crash the ball off the bar from up close. 80 million-euro-man Antonio was busy for Cameroon but the US midfield/defence worked hard to limit his incursions - Gabriele and Ashton quick to intervene - while Junio did a job on Diego. In the second half USA, well-organised by captain Ashton, pushed on and Federico set up Lorenzo for the first goal. Federico himself almost scored but Lupo made a great block. At the other end, Cameroon had very few chances though Christian did get a shot in from the right after a solo break upfield. The USA continued to dominate though and would have scored two more except for some great defensive work from Ryan who blocked two clear goals. When Filippo scored the second though, the floodgates opened. Federico added a third with a savage strike from 20m out and Lorenzo F notched a second.

Best Player Points: Federico 4, Ashton 3, Lorenzo F 3, Ryan 2, Junio 2, Antonio 2, Leopoldo 2, Diego 1, Gabriele 1, Christian 1

France 2-3 Romania

 The classic 'game of two halves', with the first half belonging to France. After Mattia had made a miraculous save early on to keep out Lorenzo G after a lovely Claudio assist, Edoardo followed up a rebound to continue his amazing scoring streak (17 goals for Ambrit so far this season) with a simple tap in. Mattia then made another great save... another Claudio assist, this time to Rex, coming to nothing. Romania kept pounding away and Pier Valerio had the next chance but Mattia saved again. France took advantage of Mattia's good work and Edo scored again when he got onto the end of a Lorenzo I assist. The game followed a similar patter at the start of the seconf half: yet another Mattia save, keeping out Lorenzo G again after yet another Claudio assist. Another Pier Valerio shot... another save! But finally, Claudio did score; he dribbled right to left across the penalty area and planted a low drive back into the bottom right corner. Two late goals from Lorenzo G saw Romania snatch the three points though France probably deserved a draw.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Claudio 5, Lorenzo I 4, Mattia 3, Rex 2, Raul 2, Lorenzo G 2, Pier Valerio 2, Edoardo 1, 

Shakhtar 2-1 Monaco

 Un'ottima prestazione dello Shakhtar, ben coordinato da Sophie, sconfigge un Monaco molto rimaneggiato, date le importanti assenze di Maeve, Anna e Vittoria.

Il campo ha dato ragione alla squadra ucraina, in cui si sono messe in luce Alessandra, autrice della prima rete dopo un clamoroso slalom, Sophie - tutta grinta e corsa - e Angela, con una prestazione a tutto campo, incluso il secondo gol del momentaneo 2-0.

Sulla sponda francese Zoe ha guidato il centrocampo, coadiuvata da una Clotilde come al solito molto dinamica. Tuttavia il gol di Zoe non è bastato al Monaco per arrivare al pareggio e i primi tre punti del torneo vanno allo Shakhtar. 

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Angela 3, Alessandra 2,  Sophie 2, Zoe 2, Clotilde 1, Aurora 1, Viola 1, Letizia 1.

Argentina 4-2 Italy

One of the classic series in world football produced another fascinating episode today at Ambrit Stadium. Italy's players were focused from the start while Argentina struggled to accustom themselves to the three-touch rule. An Italian cross into the box was blocked by an injudiciously raised arm and referee Corcoran pointed to the spot. Megan slammed the ball home confidently from the spot. Buoyed by the breakthrough, Italy poured forward and a slick move down the left saw Angela passing to Livia to shoot home a second goal! In the second half,  Argentina slowly got to grips with the situation and their tackling and passing vastly improved. But Italy almost went 3-0 up when Livia fired in another great shot that Giovanni V barely managed to deflect onto the crossbar and out! But Argentina took over possession now and the shots rained in. Giovanni M shot wide; Jacopo shot wide; Steve scored... 2-1. Jacopo shot wide; Jacopo's shot was saved by Aurora... and again! And Antoine scored... 2-2. And Antoine scored again... 3-2. Livia almost equalised towards the end but Mostafa sealed the win with a fourth.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Livia 2, Erin 2, Aurora 1, Jacopo 1, Giovanni M 1

AICS league: Borgo Amigo 2-14 Ambrit

 Another big win for Ambrit today, now established as group leaders and now awaiting details of the second half of the season, where matches are likely to become much less one-sided!

Today's scorers: Edo 5, Diego 3, Giovanni 1, Lorenzo L 1, Matteo 1

Teachers 3-2 Grade 7

 Another win for the teachers today but, again, they had to work for it! Grade 7 attacked from the start and Claudio hit the post with a shot from a narrow angle on the left. Matteo hit the bar just 1' later and the teachers looked to be struggling. Lorenzo had the next chance when he evaded Mr H to set up a one-on-one versus Mr Martin but then he dragged his shot wide! Just before half-time, the teachers looked like they had scored: Mr Gabriele scored but a VAR review and an honest admission from the scorer ruled out the goal for handball.Claudio tested Mr Martin again but the teachers did score before half time... Mr Gabriele again! 

G7 began the second half slowly and gave Mr Gabriele space to advance on the left. He got a fierce shot away: Martti made a great save but the ball fell to Mr Alessandro at the far post and he tapped in for 2-0. But now g7 started to dominate. With the 80 million Euro-man - Antonio - now in midfield, they moved the ball around very well and Claudio struck a typical low shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-1. As pressure continued, Mr Martin then made a fantastic double save from Claudio and Diego but then the teachers broke away and scored a third goal: Mr Gabriele again. The game's final drama was played out at  the other end. Ms Giulia was pulled up for a push on Diego in the penalty area and Diego himself stepped up to bury the ball past Mr Martin. G7 celebrations were brief though, brought to a halt by the final whistle.

Teachers 5-3 Grade 6

 Grade 6 kicked off the new year with a very impressive display, pushing the teachers all the way in an exciting 8-goal thriller. The teachers began slowly and shipped two early goals to Filippo and Piervalerio. The teachers grew into the game though and Mr Alessandro's header from a Mr Martin corner was just over. Mr Guarnieri was in a no-nonsense mood today though and he sprung out of midfield to halve the deficit after 10' of play. But g6 was determined to change sides with a healthy lead and Piervalerio restored the two goal advantage just before the break. Ms. Giulia came on at half time and that allowed the teachers to rearrange the team favourably. Mr Guarnieri took advantage and scored again to make it 3-2. G6 was still playing good football though, with Lorenzo F and Filippo pushing forward effectively and Lupo keeping things tidy in midfield. But the teachers leveled the match with just 6' left on the clock, Mr Alessandro smashing home a fierce drive into the top corner. Mr Guarnieri then put the teachers ahead for the first time, slipping a perfectly-placed shot past a defender and into the bottom corner. As g6 committed to attack in a search for the late equaliser, Mr Martin won a ball in midfield and, when his shot smashed back off the bar, Mr Alessandro was on hand to tap home the rebound.

Spring Intramural 2025: FIGC announces the captains of the Girls' teams!

Stuttgart	Monaco	Celtic	Shakhtar
Red :::	Blue :::	Green :::	Yellow :::
Sofia S	Maeve B	Chloe F	Sophie M

 GIRLS AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET:

Zoe Vittoria N Anna Megan Erin Suleyma

Alessandra Aurora Gracie Livia Caterina Carla

Spring Intramural 2025: FIGC announces the captains of the Boys' teams!

Argentina	USA	Cameroon	France	Mexico	Romania
Antoine	Ashton	Christian	Freddie	Max	Rex

 

AICS League: Ambrit 22-2 Monteverde Rosso

 

The league leaders met the bottom team in the league today and the result, though not unexpected, was nonetheless surprising for the final total. Ambrit were superior in every facet of play and were scoring at will. Diego netted 10 today, Gabriel 1, Matteo 2, Edoardo 5 and Filippo, making his debut, was Man of the Match and scored 4 goals!

Boys’ Final: Man City 3-1 Liverpool

  

City put their recent Premier league troubles to one side today and cruised to a smooth victory over Liverpool in an entertaining final. The first half was notable for two ‘bombs’: the first from Antonio, cutting in from the left and unleashing a shot with his right foot that got past Rex; the second from Edoardo - on fire today - that crashed down off the crossbar and over the line. City weaved a net of fine passes all day and, in the second half, it was Edo who was again on hand to apply the finishing touch. Filippo was industrious on the left for Liverpool and he was rewarded with a goal but his team could do no more.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Antonio 5, Filippo 4, Edoardo 3, Matteo 2, Antoine 2, Ryan 2, Martti 1, Lorenzo I 1, Rex 1

GIRLS' FINAL: Empoli 2-4 Roma (after penalties)

 

Potremmo definirla una questione "privata" fra le sorelle Collis, ma in realtà la finale femminile è stato praticamente un monologo dell'Empoli, che ha dominato la partita in lungo e in largo, sfiorando più volte il vantaggio e trovandolo a 5 minuti dalla fine con un tiro potente di Erin. La Roma, tuttavia, chiusa dai primi minuti in difesa, ha sfruttato l'unica occasione buona, capitata sui piedi di Megan all'ultimo secondo della partita. 

La gara è dunque ancora aperta, e la prossima settimana le due squadre si giocheranno il titolo ai calci di rigore...

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Una 3,  Erin 3, Vittoria N 2, Zoe 2, Megan 2, Aurora 2, Caterina 1, Greta 1, Anna 1, Angela 1, Ginevra 1

Aggiornamento:

la Roma conquista il titolo ai rigori, andando a segno con Megan, Vittoria e Una. Dalla parte dell'Empoli segna solo Caterina, mentre sono fatali gli errori di Gracie, Erin e Anna.

Calendar Update

Monday 16 December, 11.30

BOYS THIRD PLACE FINAL: Spurs versus Ipswich - Penalty shoot-out

Tuesday 17 December, 14.00

GIRLS FIRST PLACE FINAL: Empoli versus Roma - Penalty shoot-out

Wednesday 18 December, 14.00 - 14.30

BOYS FIRST PLACE FINAL: Manchester City versus Liverpool

Third Place final: Ipswich 3-3 Spurs ( 6-7 after penalties)

Layers of interest in today’s match as Steve (9 goals) and Jacopo (10 goals) faced off for the Top Scorer trophy as well as for the third place medals. First blood to Jacopo, a solo run down the left opening up to a scoring opportunity which he gladly accepted. Jacopo and then Steve both saw shots going wide before Freddie equalised for Spurs. Tor then made a fine double save, first from Lorenzo F and then from Christian. Early in the second half, Max found himself one-on-one with Ashton, rounded him and shot home to make it 2-1. Jacopo sent Max for another chance immediately afterwards but this time Ashton made a good save. Then it was Max’s turn to supply an assist to Jacopo and the captain netted his twelfth goal of the tournament. Now Ipswich looked home and dry… but Lorenzo F slipped a pass through to Steve and he charged into the box and scored to make it 3-2. Only minutes left: Steve shot again and missed but Lorenzo F was on hand to equalise and force the game into a penalty shoot out.

After six penalties each, the teams were tied. Ipswich messed penalty n. 7... and ANTEO scored the winner!!!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Max 5, Jacopo 3, Raul 2, Steve 2, Lorenzo F 2, Freddie 2, Christian 1, Ashton 1, Lucas 1, Tor 1, Junio 1

AICS League: Ambrit 4-2 Monteverde Blu

 

The first minutes of today’s match saw two evenly-matched sides tentatively probing for openings and studying each other carefully. Ambrit had a clear physical advantage but Monteverde were keen to play the ball on the ground and their No. 10 looked dangerous from the start. Leone and Diego got a couple of early shots in but nothing to trouble the goalkeeper. Ambrit were suffering a little in defence: the absence of Giovanni left a lot of space in front of Matteo and Monteverde used it to get off some shots of their own, but Mostafa handled everything competently. The opening goal came from a nice Ambrit move: Noel hooked a ball on to Diego, who turned inside and found Leone to shoot home from the edge of the area. A similar move immediately afterwards saw the ball move from Edo to Diego to Leone but the goalkeeper saved the shot this time. Monteverde then equalised somewhat fortuitously and Ambrit’s game fell apart for a while. Coach Nardi called a time out to steady the ship and, immediately from the restart, Leone fired home another goal and then hit the post a minute later!

In the second half, Tor steadied the nerves again with a goal off a Junio assist… though the goalkeeper should really have saved. No matter, Ambrit were now 3-1 ahead and playing better football. Edo made it 4-1 when he flicked the ball over the head of the defender before rounding him and shooting home. The Monteverde No. 10 pulled one back near the end, a high shot coming out of the sun that was difficult for Mostafa to stop. A good all-round performance, with Gabriel and Leone standing out.