In a thrilling semifinal match at the PalaTriccoli in Jesi, Feldi Eboli emerged victorious over Don Peppe Napoli Futsal with a score of 4-3, securing their place in the Coppa Italia final. This decisive victory was held on March 22, 2025, and now positions Eboli to face Ecocity Genzano in the championship match set for March 23 at 18:30.
The intensity of the contest was palpable right from the start, with Eboli quickly asserting themselves on the pitch. Calderolli lit up the scoreboard for Eboli just six minutes and 24 seconds into the game, sending a precise shot past Napoli's goalkeeper, Bellobuono. This early lead set the tone for Eboli's aggressive play style, leaving Napoli struggling to find their footing.
Minutes later, at the 10:01 mark, Caponigro increased the lead to 2-0 with a well-executed free kick that left Bellobuono with no chance to make a save. Eboli's attack was relentless, and just over a minute later, Caruso added to the misery for Napoli, scoring their third goal of the first half at 11:56. The scene was daunting for the defending champions, who had not lost in their last 20 matches.
Despite being down 3-0, Napoli, led by their captain, Fernando Perugino, fought back to try and change the course of the match. Their resistance saw a breakthrough at 2:01 into the second half when Salas found the back of the net, reducing the deficit to 3-1. This revitalized Napoli's spirits, but the road to recovery would prove steep.
With the pace quickening, Guilhermao was a source of hope for Napoli. He scored again for his team at the 31:38 mark, bringing the score closer at 3-2. However, the joy was short-lived as Eboli responded with a goal from Espindola at 36:14, extending the lead to 4-2. The game grew more frantic in its closing minutes, showcasing the tenacity of both teams.
In the nail-biting final moments, De Luca scored for Napoli with just 15 seconds left, making it 4-3. This last surge painted a picture of determination and grit, but Eboli stood firm, holding on for the final whistle amid a flurry of late attempts from their adversaries.
Emotions ran high as Eboli celebrated their hard-earned victory, especially given the team's history and what was at stake. Coach Luciano Antonelli stated post-match, "We expected such a second half; they are a great team, we suffered a lot, and we had a decrease in intensity, but in this type of tournament, it is normal, and details make the difference. I am very happy to have reached the final, what counts now is only the mental aspect, playing with less than 24 hours of rest. We must take advantage of the enthusiasm of this victory."
The stage is now set for Feldi Eboli to face Ecocity Genzano, who pulled off a remarkable comeback in their semifinal against Meta Catania, winning 7-5 after penalties following a dramatic 3-0 deficit. This upcoming final not only encapsulates the thrill of competitive futsal but also represents a battle between two teams eager to claim their first Coppa Italia title.
As the excitement builds, fans await to see if Feldi Eboli can continue their triumphant run, and whether coach Antonelli's strategies will lead them to lift the coveted cup.
