The referees from the AIA section of Viterbo utilized the Christmas break from provincial championships to participate in the annual "Torneo dei Gladiatori," hosted by the AIA section of Albano Laziale. This five-a-side football event took place last Friday at Velletri and saw the officiators from Tuscia excel, achieving a commendable second place.
Led by their captain, Luca Granata, the referees faced a challenging and competitive path through the tournament. They started off impressively with a dominant 4-1 victory against their colleagues from Tivoli. Following this, they secured another strong win, defeating Frosinone 3-0. Their momentum continued as they narrowly triumphed over Rieti with a slim 1-0 win, showcasing their skill and determination.
Despite their success, the team encountered their first setback against the hosts, Albano Laziale, losing 1-0. Nevertheless, they bounced back resiliently, beating Civitavecchia 3-2, which allowed them to advance to the semifinals. There, they faced Frosinone again, managing to clinch victory with a score of 2-1, sealing their place in the final.
Unfortunately, the final was another challenging match, with the Viterbo team falling to their rivals, Albano Laziale, with a score of 3-1. Although they did not secure the championship, finishing as runners-up was still an impressive acknowledgment of the referees' preparation and competitive spirit.
The tournament also brought individual accolades; Giancarlo Giulianelli was recognized as the best goalkeeper of the competition due to his outstanding saves, and Antonio Ferro was awarded the title of top scorer, highlighting his exceptional goal-scoring prowess throughout the event.
The event was attended by prominent figures from the AIA Viterbo section, including President Ennio Mariani and Vice President Luigi Gasbarri. They expressed their deep appreciation for the commitment and exemplary conduct displayed by their young referees during the tournament.
"The Torneo dei Gladiatori" has solidified its role as a significant event not just for proving athletic skills among referees, but also for fostering friendships and collaboration between the AIA sections of different provinces. Through their second-place finish and individual awards, the Viterbo referees demonstrated once again how passion for football and sportsmanship can lead to meaningful achievements, both on and off the field.