Seven-a-side football. Italy faces Brazil in the final.

The Italian national seven-a-side football team, coached by Daniele D'Orto, is in the final against the hosts at the World Cup currently underway in Curitiba, Brazil.

After having brilliantly overcome the preliminary round with three wins out of three (19 goals scored and only one conceded), yesterday afternoon the Azzurri also won the quarter-final match against Argentina with a resounding 5-0.

This morning at dawn (Italian time), they faced Mozambique in the semifinals. The match was extremely close until the very end. The two teams finished regulation time tied 1-1. In the penalty shootout, the Italian goalkeeper's save proved decisive, sending Italy to the final against the hosts, Brazil.

"Reaching the final and beating teams that were aiming for the title," explained Andrea Montemurro, president of the Italian Football Confederation, "is already a truly historic achievement. Reaching the World Cup final is a dream."

The final is scheduled for this evening at 8:30 pm (Italian time).

The hosts will be able to count on their fans and a large crowd is expected.

“All we have to do is remain clear-headed and focused,” commented coach Daniele D'Orto.