IFA Programme 2016

SANMARINO PLAYERS TOWATCH

VETERAN DEFENDER The 6’ 1” central defender made his international debut in 2006. Played against Northern Ireland in a WC 2010 qualifier in San Marino in February 2009 when goals by Gareth McAuley, Grant McCann and Chris Brunt secured a 3-0 victory. A regular in the national team since 2006, he is the twin brother of ‘keeper Aldo Simoncini. Played in five Euro 2016 qualifiers. Along with his twin brother Aldo he holds a unique record: They are the only twins to have scored own goals in the same international match, when San Marino lost to Sweden in September 2010 in a Euro 2012 qualifier. On 12 minutes, in attempting to clear a low cross from Sebastian Larsson, Davide knocked the ball past brother Aldo. Then Aldo pushed the ball into his own net as he jumped with Pontus Wernbloom 13 minutes later. Aldo protested - with some justification - that he had been impeded going for the ball but Irish referee David McKeon awarded the goal. Sweden went on to win 6-0. Like his goalkeeper brother, Davide works as an accountant. His comment after the game: “Although I had to pick the ball out of the net 13 times, it was one of the happiest days of my life. After having been told that I might never play football again, I was just glad to be part of an unforgettable occasion against one of the greatest teams in world football.” Outside football he works as an accountant. THE KEEPER The 6’ 2” keeper played in eight of his country’s 10 Euro 2016 qualifiers and in the WC 2018 qualifier against Azerbaijan last month. Made his debut for the national team in 2006 but his career almost met an untimely end when at the age of 19 – he was with Serie B club Modena at the time – he sustained horrific injuries in a car accident when his pelvis and left elbow were shattered. It looked unlikely that he would ever play football again. However, after four months in hospital and more than a year recuperating, he was passed fit, and since then has been the regular choice for his country between the posts. After his miraculous recovery he made his debut for the senior international team against Germany in a home Euro 2008 qualifier in September 2006 when he conceded 13 goals - San Marino’s biggest ever defeat.

ALDO SIMONCINI GOALKEEPER

Club

Libertas Age 30

Caps 53

Goals 0

DAVIDE SIMONCINI DEFENDER

Club

Libertas Age 30

Caps 42

Goals 0

46

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