Viareggio begins as APIA go down gallantly to Sassuolo

Home / News / Viareggio begins as APIA go down gallantly to Sassuolo

MATCH REPORT: 2025 Viareggio Cup Week 2 Update including U.S. Sassuolo Calcio 4-0 APIA Leichhardt U19

Our U19 squad’s time in Italy for the 75th edition of the Viareggio Cup continued with trial match success thanks to a superb Dylan Cotter free kick, more memories made in the heart of the AC Milan development factory, and the beginning of the prestigious tournament itself with a match-up against Sassuolo. Hear the words of FrogOnline’s Andrew Mandaglio from inside the camp below.

APIA x Milan – Wednesday Update (Day 5)

Wednesday marked the conclusion of our time in Milan, wrapping up with a Milan U18s vs. Fiorentina match—a great opportunity for our players to witness the level of competition they’ll face in the Viareggio Cup next week. Fiorentina took an early lead, but Milan stormed back with four unanswered goals, showcasing the intensity and quality we’re preparing for.

At the end of our time with AC Milan, our players received their certificates and took photos with coaches Danilo and Davide. As a gesture of appreciation, our coaching staff presented souvenirs and club plaques to AC Milan, celebrating what has been an incredible experience and the start of a growing relationship between our clubs.

Match Recap: APIA vs. Aldini Bariviera

The afternoon saw us take on Aldini Bariviera, one of the biggest developers of youth talent outside Milan’s professional clubs. Their U18s are serial trophy winners, having won national and state championships, making this another tough challenge.

The match started with Aldini dominating possession, while APIA settled into a low block, preparing for our tournament opener against Sassuolo. Despite their control of the ball, Aldini struggled to break us down, resorting to long-range shots or balls in behind that were well handled by our defense and goalkeeper.

At halftime, the score remained 0-0, but Aldini found a breakthrough early in the second half, scrambling home a goal after a few deflections inside the box.

APIA didn’t back down, and just 10 minutes later, we struck back. A ball down the right flank found Dylan Cotter, who whipped in a perfect cross to the near post. On-loan striker Orlando Falcetta met it first-time, flicking the ball beyond the keeper.

1-1 and the intensity rose. APIA began pressing higher up the pitch, creating several counter-attacking opportunities. One such pressing moment led to a corner, initially cleared to the edge of the area. Kristian Majurovski cleverly won a foul 25 yards from goal, setting up a crucial free kick.

A few APIA players lined up over the ball, but senior player Cotter took charge. With just three steps back, he waited for the referee’s whistle before curling a brilliant strike over the wall and into the bottom corner—leaving the Aldini keeper no chance.

2-1 APIA with 15 minutes left.

A determined defensive effort followed, with our low block and tactical discipline frustrating Aldini and their coaching staff. Their reaction at full-time said it all—they hadn’t expected to lose this match, but APIA had proven them wrong.

A huge result for the squad and another step forward in our Viareggio Cup preparation.

Starting XI:

22.⁠ ⁠Wilkinson (GK)

15.⁠ ⁠Sousa, 2. Giles, 14. Maoate-Mani, 5. DiGiacomo, 7. Conway

20.⁠ ⁠Majurovski, 21. Boutros, 10. Court (c)

19.⁠ ⁠Falcetta, 18. Jolly

Substitutes:

9.⁠ ⁠Cotter (46’), 1.⁠ ⁠DiBona (GK) (46’), 4. Secondo (46’), 16. Balian (46’) 6.⁠ ⁠Imbro (46’), 23. Capuano (46’)

Forza APIA! 🇮🇹⚽🔥

Tournament Day 1: Arrival and Training

Upon arriving in Viareggio, the team commenced their day with an early morning training session at the Marco Polo Sports Center. This state-of-the-art facility, envisioned by World Cup-winning Italian coach Marcello Lippi, offers top-notch amenities for athletes.

Afternoon Match in Carrara

In the afternoon, the team traveled to Fossone to play their annual match against regional club Don Bosco. Set against the scenic backdrop of Carrara’s marble-rich mountains, the match unfolded under challenging weather conditions.

Despite the relentless rain, our players delivered an impressive performance, securing a 4-1 victory. Goals were scored by Aidyn Conway, Gary Basmajian, and Orlando Falcetta, with an additional own goal contributing to the tally.

The continuous downpour tested our goalkeepers, Zane Wilkinson and Ryan DiBona, as they adeptly managed the slick field and waterlogged gloves.

Starting XI:

DiBona (GK), 6. Imbro, 15. Sousa, 14. Maoate-Mani, 7. Conway; 4. Secondo, 21. Boutros, 8. Basmajian (c), 19. Falcetta, 18. Jolly, 9. Cotter

Substitutes (All 46’):

Giles, 5. DiGiacomo, 16. Balian, 22. Wilkinson (GK), 10. Court

Day 2: Rest and Exploration Friday provided a well-deserved rest day. Players had the opportunity to explore Viareggio and its vibrant shopping district, immersing themselves in the local culture and atmosphere. Weekend Weather Challenges and Cultural Experiences Saturday’s scheduled match against the New York Stars was postponed due to severe weather conditions. Tuscany faced a code red emergency, with significant flooding in Pisa and Florence leading local authorities to close grounds and advise residents to remain indoors. However, the afternoon’s weather improved sufficiently to allow for an additional training session, focusing on preparations for the upcoming fixture against Sassuolo on Monday. On Sunday, the team enjoyed favorable weather, facilitating visits to iconic landmarks such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and a day trip to Florence. The evening culminated in attending the highly anticipated Serie A match between Fiorentina and Juventus. The atmosphere was electric as Fiorentina secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Juventus, with goals from Robin Gosens, Rolando Mandragora, and Albert Gudmundsson.

This blend of rigorous training, challenging matches, cultural exploration, and exposure to top-tier football has enriched the team’s experience in Italy, fostering both athletic and personal growth.

You could tell it was match day the moment the squad walked into the breakfast room—focused and locked in.

The team meeting followed, where Coach Alistair reinforced the team’s structure, style, and patterns of play. This squad has never had such a structured build-up to a tournament before.

After lunch, the team set off on a one-hour journey to Agliana, where they faced Italian powerhouse U.S. Sassuolo Calcio, home to Aussie Christian Volpato. Sassuolo currently sits 8th in the Under-18 Italian Championship, led by striker and Italian youth international Giovani Chiricallo.

Match Recap

The first 10 minutes were cagey, but it was APIA who created the first real chance. Dylan Cotter, showing his work rate down the right flank, cut the ball back to captain Max Court. Court spun left, then right, onto his favored foot, but his shot flew just over the bar.

Despite Sassuolo dominating possession, APIA’s low block and defensive structure made it nearly impossible for them to break through. It wasn’t until the 30th minute that Sassuolo forced Ryan DiBona into a real save.

However, seven minutes later, Sassuolo broke through. A dangerous early cross found Catania, who controlled it on his chest and volleyed it home with the help of a deflection.

Deep into injury time, Sassuolo doubled their lead after a soft penalty decision handed Pirruccio the chance from the spot. He struck it with power, just out of DiBona’s reach, making it 2-0 at halftime.

Second Half Fightback

APIA regrouped at halftime, coming out with more intent and pressure. Cotter and Court both managed to create half-chances, but Sassuolo held firm.

With 15 minutes left, an injury to Cotter that required hospital treatment shifted the focus off the match. Sassuolo capitalized, with Catania scoring again and Cardascio adding a fourth to seal the result.