Forli Claim Comfortable 3-1 Friendly Win Over Tre Fiori

Tre Fiori 1–3 Forli
International Club Friendly – 30 July 2026

Forli opened their pre-season campaign with a composed 3-1 victory over San Marino side Tre Fiori at a warm Stadio di Serravalle on Thursday evening. The Italian side showed sharper fitness and greater cohesion as they built toward the new campaign, while the hosts – still in early preparation – will take positives from spells of lively possession.

Match Overview

The friendly, played behind closed doors due to ongoing stadium renovations at Tre Fiori’s home ground, served as the first serious test for both clubs. Forli, competing in Italy’s Serie D, fielded a mix of experienced professionals and young prospects, while Tre Fiori – perennial contenders in the Campionato Sammarinese – used the fixture to gauge their level against a higher-ranked opponent.

Forli controlled the opening 20 minutes, pressing high and forcing turnovers. Their attacking trio of Marco Rinaldi, Lorenzo Bacci and Simone Costa repeatedly stretched the Tre Fiori backline. The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Rinaldi latched onto a through ball from veteran midfielder Daniele Gori and slotted past goalkeeper Antonio Vanni.

Key Moments

• 18' – Forli 1-0: Marco Rinaldi finishes calmly after a quick counter-attack.
• 34' – Forli 2-0: Simone Costa heads home from a corner after a defensive mix-up.
• 51' – Forli 3-0: Lorenzo Bacci converts a penalty after a handball in the box.
• 72' – Tre Fiori 1-3: Substitute Matteo Rinaldi (no relation) pulls one back with a close-range volley following a cross from Edoardo Cecchetti.

Tre Fiori improved after the break, with coach Fabio Fantoni introducing three substitutes at half-time. The hosts enjoyed more possession in the second period and created several half-chances, but Forli’s defence, marshalled by Giorgio Nanni, held firm.

Tactical Story

Forli employed a 4-3-3 formation, pressing intensely from the front. Their midfield trio of Gori, Andrea Viscardi and Emanuele Ferri provided both defensive cover and quick transitions. Tre Fiori, in a 4-4-2, struggled to connect midfield with attack until the second half, when Fantoni switched to a 3-5-2, allowing wing-backs to push forward.

The Italian side’s fitness advantage was evident: they maintained high intensity for 70 minutes, while Tre Fiori faded after the hour mark. Forli coach Paolo Marini praised his team’s professionalism: “We wanted to execute our patterns even in a friendly, and we did that for long spells. Tre Fiori made it difficult after the break, but I’m satisfied with the result and the performance.”

Standout Players

• Marco Rinaldi (Forli): The striker scored the opener and caused constant problems with his movement.
• Daniele Gori (Forli): Dictated play from midfield, completing 89% of his passes and providing the assist for the first goal.
• Edoardo Cecchetti (Tre Fiori): The left-back impressed with his crossing and was involved in the consolation goal.

Season Context

Forli continue their pre-season tour with fixtures against lower-league sides before beginning their Serie D campaign in September. Tre Fiori, meanwhile, return to San Marino league action in early August, aiming to improve on last season’s third-place finish. This friendly offered valuable minutes for both squads and highlighted areas still to polish before competitive matches begin.