From the publisher:
43.9424° N, 12.4578° E
They only bloody did it. Twice. With a promotion to boot.
When we sent photographer Barley Nimmo to San Marino to document the national team in early 2024, it was almost 20 years since they recorded their one and only victory, in a friendly against fellow strugglers Liechtenstein.
So imagine our surprise when the team secures their first-ever competitive victory in September later that year, and then followed it up with a Nations League promotionsecuring second victory just six weeks later (both against, you guessed it, Liechtenstein). Incredible for the microstate nestled deep on the Italian mainland, but a bit of a headache when you're about to release a publication completely themed on the 'World's worst team'. But a few rewrites later, and here we are.
This issue is dedicated to the joys of football in a country where not losing – let alone winning – is often the furthest thing from anyone’s mind.
Franco Ficetola looks at how the game started and developed up in the mountains. Matt Barnes details his travels with the San Marino fans to Northern Ireland and chats to Adrian Eacock, an Englishman who spent time playing for AC Juvenes Dogana in the Sammarinese domestic leagues. The domestic game is covered in depth by Giovanni Maria Seregni and Francesco Napoleone profiles one of the biggest clubs, Tre Fiori. Meanwhile, Vitas Carosella looks specifically at the microstate’s women’s game.
Having lost over 94% of their 200+ matches, it’s perhaps unsurprising that there have been some serious shellackings along the way. Noah Rosenthal looks back at some of San Marino’s heaviest defeats. But, as the record shows, there have been the aforementioned wins, and we cover both.
San Marino’s most highly decorated footballer, European Cup winner Massimo Bonini relives his trophy-laden seven years at Juventus, alongside Michel Platini and Mario Tardelli – an achievement he places alongside his 19 winless caps for his country.
Eight of San Marino’s 38 goals were scored by one man, Andy Selva. San Marino’s leading goalscorer is profiled by Alessandro Colombini.
The Titani’s most famous goal came from the boot of Davide Gaultieri, who reminisces over his strike after a mere 8.33 seconds into a World Cup qualifier against England, helped ensure the 1966 World Champions would not make it to USA 94.
Finally, there’s all the information you need on where to stay, eat and drink for when you plan your own trip.
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