The Swiss limped into the Latini match with several key players missing and injured, and the squad was further depleted on game day due to a variety of problems ranging from back spasms, a faulty (or non-existent) alarm clock, and a laundry-related catastrophe.
Latini enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half, but the Swiss cobbled together a defence that was able to cope well. Latini opened the scoring with a good move. Swiss continued to absorb Latini pressure and looked dangerous on the counter. Federico was holding the ball up well and Norman’s speed was creating problems. Federico got the Swiss back on level terms by sneaking in a goal after some hard work down the right. The half continued with Latini enjoying possession and the Swiss hitting on the counter, with both sides missing chances.
The Swiss enjoyed a bit more possession in the second half with Federico and Norman continuing to cause problems, Ntoudi doing a lot of hard work in the middle, and Patrik and Martin looking solid in the back and providing good distribution. Latini created some good chances breaking with speed. In particular, Latini had an excellent move that released their striker, who flicked his shot wide of the mark. Federico narrowly missed with one of his typically outrageous “biciclettas.” The Latini keeper had an outstanding save to keep a Christians well taken shot out of the net. The Swiss had a good argument for a penalty after Federico was taken down on the edge of the area. The game was opening up and with fitness taking its toll on the Swiss, Latini got their third.
The game was scrappy at times and a Latini player saw red after lashing out. Heat of the moment stuff that happens. Well done to the ref, Latini, the Swiss, and the perpetrator for managing the fallout appropriately. A Swiss player later saw red. We’ll call that a heat-of-the-moment incident as well.
Thanks to Latini for a great game as usual. We look forward to the next one.