With the help of VAR, the former Inter and Torino player dashed San Marino’s big dream in stoppage time

San Marino’s dream comes crashing down just when things were looking their best. At the Kombëtare Arena in Tirana, in front of over 16,000 spectators, the Titans held onto the possibility of pulling off an extraordinary result against Albania until stoppage time, before succumbing to a penalty kick awarded after a VAR review and converted by Asllani.

Roberto Cevoli’s team, playing in the fourth matchday of Group C1 of the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League, initially fell behind on a splendid finish by Asllani. After Rossi closed down Manaj, the ball reached the Albanian midfielder outside the box; he controlled it and unleashed a powerful, precise right-footed shot that Colombo could not stop.

San Marino, however, did not lose its composure. Colombo prevented a second goal on several occasions, while the Titans tried to create danger through Capicchioni, Zannoni, and, just before halftime, Della Balda, who forced Dajsinani to deflect the ball out for a corner kick.

In the second half, the San Marino team gained confidence and, in the 66th minute, scored a well-deserved equalizer. Capicchioni sent a ball to the far post, and Lazzari—who had come on just a few minutes earlier—finished with a first-time shot, beating Dajsinani. It was the midfielder’s third goal for the national team, a strike that tied the game at 1-1 and silenced the stadium in Tirana.

At that point, San Marino even tried to complete the comeback before having to withstand the hosts’ reaction. In the 83rd minute, Pasolini made a crucial save on Daku, while in the 90th minute, Colombo leaped to tip the ball over the crossbar, denying Asllani a second goal.

Just when a draw seemed all but certain, the moment that changed everything occurred. On the ensuing corner kick, a deflected shot prompts the VAR to call the referee for an on-field review. After the review, a penalty kick is awarded to Albania, and Asllani scores the decisive goal from the spot.

A bitter blow for San Marino, which saw a result destined to be remembered for a long time slip away just moments from the finish line. Still, Cevoli’s team put in a strong performance, managing to put Albania in serious trouble and stay in the game until the very last play.