The Saudi Future Falcons lost to their hosts, AS Roma, by a score of 1-0 in Group C of Al Abtal Cup.
The match began with neither team able to establish any significant attacking flow, with the defences outshining their opponent’s attack. Roma then started to get the upper hand and created a few chances, such as a header from Davide that was saved by goalkeeper Khalid Aldossri. While Ali Qazwani was the most likely looking danger man for the Future Falcons when it came to causing problems for the Italian defence.
The most dangerous chances came from set pieces, though none of these resulted in clear strikes on goal. In the 33rd minute, forward-thinking defender Daniele sent a cross in from the right wing and Giuseppe met it with a powerful header that went just wide of the goal, leaving the first half to end goalless.
The second half began with the Future Falcons showing a clear improvement, able to push forward and apply their high press. All of which brought them close to the Roma goal on several occasions. On one such occasion, Ali Almaki’s shot went just wide of the upright, and there were multiple other crosses and through balls that also created danger. The Saudi team continued to threaten, this time with a long-range shot from Jawad Alhasim, but his effort also went just wide.
Against the run of play, Giamatti broke away and found himself one-on-one with Khalid Aldossri, who executed a brilliant save to block the Italian’s shot. However, Giamatti reacted quickly, beating the defenders to the loose ball and putting it back into the net to score the only goal of the match in the 67th minute.
After the goal, the Italian side had the upper hand in play, but the Future Falcons came close to equalising when Jawad Alhasim’s header off a corner went just wide. Despite further efforts, the Saudi team could not level the score, and the match ended 1-0 in favour of AS Roma.
