Perugia have won the second edition of the San Marino Talent Cup. In the final held at the “Ezio Conti” stadium in Dogana, the Umbrians beat Sassuolo 1-0 thanks to a second-half goal from Vanni.
After a first half in which Perugia created the better chances — even hitting the crossbar through Perugini — the deadlock was broken by substitute Vanni, who made the most of Merico’s assist to beat the black-and-green goalkeeper. Sassuolo tried to hit back late on but could not find an equalizer. Perugini was named the tournament’s best player, while the award for best goalkeeper went to Bini of Sassuolo.
San Marino Academy, meanwhile, finished in fourth place. In the third-place playoff, the blue-and-whites had raced into a 2-0 lead against Cesena, thanks to Pedrelli’s goal in the 41st minute and a penalty converted by Magnani in the 53rd. Late on, however, the black-and-whites fought back through Ciccarese and Marra, sending the match to a penalty shootout. Cesena prevailed 5-3 from the spot, with Rapisarda the hero after saving three penalties.
In the match for fifth place, Bologna and Ascoli finished level at 2-2 after regulation time. Once again the outcome was decided on penalties, with the Bolognese side winning 5-3 thanks to three saves by Capra.
The second edition of the San Marino Talent Cup thus draws to a close with victory for Perugia ahead of Sassuolo and Cesena, while San Marino Academy end up just short of the podium.
