Switzerland kicked off their Euro Beach Soccer League campaign in style as they dispatched fellow heavyweights Italy 4-0 in Nazare on Friday.
In the battle of sixth in the world versus seventh, it was the latter who came out on top as Dejan Stankovic, Noel Ott, Moritz Jaeggy and Sandro Spaccarotella earned a comprehensive win for the Swiss in Division A, Group Two.
In both sides’ first outing since the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the Bahamas, it was Swiss who led first as Stankovic broke the deadlock four minutes in.
Strike partner Ott doubled the lead with an expert close-range finish soon after and as Switzerland continued to dominate, Ott’s lofted attempt clipped the crossbar as Italy struggled for attacking momentum.
The Azzurri enjoyed their best spell before the final period, Gabriele Gori threatening twice, but failed to make inroads before the whistle as Angelo Schirinzi’s side went into the final frame with a solid advantage.
Captain Mo added to that advantage when he buried a penalty early in the third while Gori’s frustrations mounted as he saw his overhead kick clip the outside of the post.
Ultimately, it was not to be for Italy as Spacca completed the scoring by volleying into the top corner three minutes from time.
Scores: Italy 0-4 Switzerland (Division A, Group Two) 0-1: Stankovic, min. 8 (1); 0-2: Ott, min. 6 (1); 0-3: Mo, min. 9 (3); 0-4: Spacca, min. 3 (3).