Colini: Montesilvano earned their luck

ASD Città di Montesilvano C/5 coach Fulvio Colini admitted that the Italian club had to sweat for the 3-0 victory over SL Benfica that took the competition debutants into the UEFA Futsal Cup final at the first attempt.

Montesilvano combined dogged defending with clinical finishing to end Benfica's 12-month reign as European champions at the Baluan Shokan Sport Palace in Almaty. However, having seen his side succumb to second-half strikes from Leandro Cuzzolino, Cristian Borruto and goalkeeper Stefano Mammarella, Benfica coach Paulo Fernandes could only bemoan the Lisbon team's misfortune in front of goal.

Fulvio Colini, Montesilvano coach
It was a difficult match and we had to suffer for long periods. A couple of times in the first half we had chances, but then we also had to resist strong Benfica pressure. In the second half things ran for us. We had to stop a team that has played together for a long time, just as we had to beat [MFK Sinara] Ekaterinburg in Russia to qualify, so today we definitely came to win. Yes Benfica were holders, but we are a good team. And while it has been difficult for us in the Italian league this season [Montesilvano are fourth in Serie A], we've produced our best in the Futsal Cup.

When games are so intense like this one, things can be difficult, but we tried to play professionally and I don't think we went overboard. When the game is over you still shake hands with your opposite number. Now we will look again at our tactics and see how we will play against Sporting, who are another great team. We will review our performance and see how the players look. Every new game brings new challenges.

Paulo Fernandes, Benfica coach
Firstly, congratulations to Montesilvano and also to Benfica for the fight and hard work we showed. However, we are sad and frustrated not to have achieved our goal of reaching the final and winning the title again. We feel sorry for the fans in particular. We could have been here all night and not scored. I think we will make up for this setback during the rest of the season.

We had enough chances and it wasn't for want of trying that we couldn't get a goal. We are a team that scores goals, but for one reason or another we couldn't do that today. You also have to credit Montesilvano for stopping us. The fact UEFA made their goalkeeper man of the match tells you a lot. We will now try our best on Sunday to leave the competition on a high note. We are a very experienced team and we will do better against Kairat. The season doesn't end here as we still have trophies to play for. Today was just not our day – we hit the post six times.

Stefano Mammarella, Montesilvano goalkeeper
I put the ball in my shirt after scoring because my wife is pregnant and I dedicate my goal, and performance, to her. But I have told the coach that I only score in big games, having also got an important goal in the Italian championship. Benfica are a great team and to get past any side in a semi-final is a huge achievement. It wasn't easy but we will now play to win the final.