Paola 5 - 2 Intrepid (381665744)

A brilliantly sunny day had enticed a crowd of 39096 to F. C. Paola Arena. Ireneusz Sala was the appointed referee with assistance provided by Marek Rudziński and Pedro Ortiz. A 2-5-3 alignment was the formation of choice for Paola. The following players took the field: Montalvo - Egaña, Attico - Santoiemma, Cipo, Puzzarini, Bolzonella, Lo Cicero - Gravano, Finazzi, Prelle.

Intrepid decided to use a 4-4-2 set up. Starters: Saracino - Mors, Uran, Tien Poh, Tungbo - Mancier, Petraroli, Vandoma, Stoyanov - Mo Costabella, Hetman.

Intrepid were relying on their ability to counter-attack. Given a free kick close to the byline, Paola tried a move that loyal fans may recognise from training. A pass to the side pulled the defence out of position which let M. Prelle slip through on goal. He didn't have to break his stride, and slipped the ball past the keeper to make it 1 - 0, 2 minutes into the game. The referee showed Paola's R. Puzzarini the yellow card after a particularly nasty challenge. A loud groan was heard from the fans of Intrepid, as J. Vandoma left the pitch in too much pain to finish the match. Ş. Tanrıkutu took his place on the field. Paola put themselves up 2 - 0 when F. Gravano broke through on the right, leaving the entire defence trailing in his wake. With 14 minutes played, G. Attico of Paola fell dramatically just outside the penalty area. However, the referee was unimpressed, and booked him for diving. After 17 minutes, following yet another great corner, J. Tungbo's flick on at the near post reached J. Mancier, who was just wide with his snapshot - the ball went out for a goal kick. With 18 minutes played, Paola put themselves up 3 - 0 when the visiting defenders lost the ball to F. Finazzi, who came up from the left and proceeded to coolly round the keeper and knock the ball home. By now, the players in Paola felt that victory was guaranteed and began to play it safe, focusing on defence and not risking too much going forward. The sun seemed to put F. Gravano in a great mood, and he showed off his technical skills all match long. Intrepid hit back on the counter attack 28 minutes into the game with a free kick. Initially it seemed wasted, hit wide towards the wing. But there was an idea to it - the ball was then crossed towards W. Hetman, who was waiting for it in the box. That's 3 - 1! Don't forget to thank the set pieces coach for that idea! 3 - 1 was the score after the first half. Paola had most of the ball, with 72 percent of possession.

Paola's F. Gravano saw his fine effort strike the top of the bar following some good work up the middle by his teammates after 53 minutes. A. Egaña left the field with a smile on his face as he was substituted 70 minutes into the game, as his team was in the lead. L. Hughes was the replacement. A bit later, Intrepid's Z. Stoyanov easily reduced the lead to 3 - 2 after a misunderstanding in the home side's central defence. The opposing supporters gave the referee an earful when he only gave T. Mors from Intrepid a yellow card after a mistimed challenge from behind 83 minutes into the game. That was far too lenient! 84 minutes into the match L. Hughes put Paola ahead 4 - 2 with a truly marvelous free kick. After 86 minutes, Paola sent a free kick in high over the penalty box. In what looked like a well-rehearsed move, the ball was headed backwards and reached F. Gravano, who had plenty of space to place a well aimed shot - 5 - 2. Paola enjoyed most of the ball, as they maintained 71 percent of possession.

Paola's best player was F. Finazzi. M. Santoiemma turned in a dismal performance, however. Most important Intrepid player was W. Hetman. However, Ş. Tanrıkutu made a disastrous appearance. The match ends 5 - 2.