Squai In Saor Edged Out By Sao Paolo In Tight 6-A-Side Clash

Squai in Saor faced Sao Paolo at Venezia on 15 November 2025 in a 6-a-side league neutral match that kicked off at 1:00pm. The contest lasted 50 minutes plus injury time, with Sao Paolo narrowly securing a 1-0 victory in a tightly fought encounter refereed by Non Fischia before a modest crowd of 50 spectators.

Squai in Saor lined up in a 2-2-1 formation, deploying two central defenders, two central midfielders, and a lone striker upfront. Pa-Malick Badjie guarded the goal, tasked with commanding the defence and making crucial saves. Alessandro Venturoni and Arda Ipin formed the central defensive partnership, expected to thwart Sao Paolo’s attacks and initiate play from the back. In midfield, Parsa Safaei-Dehnavi and Francesco Currò were charged with controlling the centre of the park, linking defence and attack, while Leonardo Gusella led the line as the sole striker, responsible for spearheading offensive moves and finishing chances. No substitutes were named for Squai in Saor.

From the outset, goalkeeper Pa-Malick Badjie was kept busy, making a series of important catches in the early minutes, notably at five, six, and seven minutes, including a full stretch save and a dive at the feet of an opponent. His early interventions kept Squai in Saor in the game as Sao Paolo pressed aggressively.

The defensive duo of Venturoni and Ipin were heavily involved throughout. Arda Ipin made a crucial block at 14 minutes to prevent a clear chance, while Venturoni’s efforts included a high attempt on goal at the same minute that flew over the bar. Ipin was also booked for a charge foul at 16 minutes but continued to clear danger effectively, including a vital clearance at 17 minutes. Venturoni twice hit the post in quick succession at 27 and 29 minutes, coming agonisingly close to opening the scoring for Squai in Saor.

Francesco Currò received a yellow card at 12 minutes for a bad tackle, indicating the physical nature of the midfield battle. Parsa Safaei-Dehnavi was also cautioned later in the match at 43 minutes for offensive language or gestures, reflecting the intensity and frustration of the contest.

Badjie’s goalkeeping heroics continued deep into the match with multiple full stretch saves at 20, 21, and 36 minutes, as well as an interception at 34 minutes that prevented Sao Paolo from capitalising on a promising attack. Defensive clearances from both Ipin and Venturoni at various points, including at 30 and 32 minutes, ensured Squai in Saor remained resilient despite sustained pressure.

Offensively, Leonardo Gusella was a constant threat, testing the opposition goalkeeper repeatedly between 37 and 41 minutes with several saved attempts. Parsa Safaei-Dehnavi also had a shot saved at 40 minutes. Gusella’s persistence nearly paid off at the death when he struck the post at 50 minutes, narrowly missing an equaliser.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 46th minute when Sao Paolo scored with a right-footed finish, the only goal of the match. Despite frantic defending from Currò and Ipin in the closing stages, including a clearance at 48 minutes and a block at 49 minutes, Squai in Saor could not find a way back into the game.

In summary, Squai in Saor displayed defensive solidity and attacking endeavour but were ultimately undone by a solitary goal from Sao Paolo. Badjie’s goalkeeping was a standout feature, keeping his side in contention with numerous saves. Venturoni and Ipin’s defensive work was commendable, while Gusella’s attacking efforts were persistent but unlucky. The match was a tight, competitive affair befitting the 6-a-side format, with Sao Paolo just edging the contest at Venezia.