No “three-peat” for Italy, since after two gold medals they won in Pescara (2015) and Patras (2019), they finished in 5th place in the 3rd Mediterranean Beach Games “Heraklion 2023”, handing the crown to new champions Spain.

However, there was one player of “Squadra Azzura” who saved the team’s prestige. Marco Giordani became the tournament’s top scorer, scoring five times.

“I scored five goals in total, but the important thing is that my team is doing well.The fact that I was the top scorer is important on a personal level, but it doesn’t make me happy in general, because we didn’t make the podium,” said the 26-year-old Italian.

On Italy’s performance in Heraklion, he pointed out that “we are definitely not happy with the 5th place. We had won gold in the two previous events and unfortunately we didn’t make it a third time”.

Regarding the team’s next day, he said “we are working hard and preparing for the next challenges that are coming. Italy has a high level in beach soccer, with distinctions in major competitions”.

On whether he plays football he revealed “in the new year I will also play in 11×11 in my city team Anzio, which plays in a local league in Italy.

It is difficult to play both on grass and sand. I like playing football in general. I always enjoy it the same.

I’m passionate about the sport and the feeling you get when you score is the same whether you play on grass or sand.

While on Crete and the 3rd Mediterranean Beach Games “Heraklion 2023”, he commented: “Italy is similar to Greece. Crete is wonderful! The facilities in Karteros Sports Center are unique and the fans are awesome. Thanks for the hospitality. The organization was perfect!”.