Folgore cruise to first San Marino cup

SS Folgore claimed San Marino's Coppa Titano for the first time with a 5-0 win against nine-man SS Murata in Serravalle.

Debutant finalists Folgore dominated from kick-off, forwards Adolfo José Hirsch and Francesco Perrotta tormenting the Murata defence with their pace. However, it took an unfortunate own goal by Davide Bellucci to give them the lead after 21 minutes.

Things went from bad to worse for Murata when Mattia Casadei was sent off for a second bookable offence before the interval. Folgore continued to attack and scored again through defender Christofer Genestrati and midfielder Michele Casadei.

Murata were down to with nine men when Micheal Angelini was also dismissed. Folgore added more goals, a second of the night for Casadei and one from substitute Luca Rossi.

"I could never have expected such a result but I knew we were in good form and that we are very dangerous when we have space," said coach Nicola Berardi, whose side also hit the woodwork three times during the showpiece, played on 30 April.

"It was a great performance from the whole team," said captain Simone Pacini. "We work hard every day to reach our objectives. The cup is ours, now we want the league as well."

Having finished top of Group B to earn top seeding in the double-elimination league play-offs, three-time champions Folgore – runners-up in last year's championship – welcome Group A winners AC Juvenes/Dogana in the third round next Monday.