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While Cristiano Ronaldo, Gigi Buffon and other big names of the football European arena are finalizing their preparation for the European championship in France, Generali hosted its first International Football League in Trieste with players coming from different Group companies from across Europe.

We already consider this event to be a big success having seven teams in attendance from 5 different countries in the first edition of this new initiative launched by ASD Gruppo Generali. Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Czech Rep. and Italy converged to Trieste to compete for the first trophy offered by ASD.

Two Groups of 4 and 3 teams respectively played 9 matches of 30 minutes each in the morning session to identify the four semifinalists that were designated after extremely tough games, competitive but also characterized by fairness and friendship. Group A promoted Genertel and Generali Vienna, Group B celebrated the success of Generali Prague and Generali Zagreb.

After a light lunch to allow the players to be effective in the key afternoon matches (maybe a few beers helped to support the big effort!) the four semifinalists started the fighting; Generali TS, Banca Generali and Generali Slovenia enjoyed better the meal having the whole afternoon for rest.

Vienna scores the only goal in the third place play-off

The semifinals allowed a growing level of competition with Genertel prevailing on Generali Croatia (2-0) and Generali Prague on Generali Vienna (5-1)

In the third place play-off Generali Croatia played a very high quality first-half and achieved a 4-0 on Generali Vienna probably too severe for the quality shown by our Austrian friends; this did not allow many chances to our Vienna friends who eventually succeeded in scoring at least one goal for pride. 7-1 the final result that delivered the third place to the Croatians.

The participants to the final

The final was a much more balanced affair: the younger guys from Genertel insisted strenuously in the proximity of the Czech goal but the Prague team was extremely vigilant in defending with their goalkeeper also performing important saves, and successfully scored one goal in a quick counter-attack.

Genertel increased the pressure to achieve parity and successfully reached 1-1 at the 28th minute. Penalties were needed to determine the winner of the 1st Generali International Football League: the first spot kicks were saved by both goalkeepers then the remaining four were scored. Further penalties were required and the second attempt from Genertel hit the post. The goalkeepers were opposed for the key shot and the Czech successfully scored the winning penalty.

The decisive shot on the post from Genertel

The final ranking was therefore:
1. Generali Prague
2. Genertel Trieste
3. Generali Zagreb

Ranking apart, the tournament well represented the spirit of the initiative aimed at joining the colleagues from different countries and spending some time together playing sport, competitively but fairly. The final barbecue was an appropriate end of a very pleasant and successful day which we hope we’ll be able to repeat next year.

A special thanks to all the participants who afforded a long trip to come to Trieste and to Bruno Poropat who brilliantly organized the event.

Scritto da ALBERTO VALENTI e BRUNO POROPAT