The country, which has a population of just over 33,000 people, was in jubilation last night after beating Liechtenstein 1-0 in the Nations League. Nicko Sensoli’s goal secured their first victory after 34 years of trying.
But with such a small population, it’s far from surprising that football is not a thriving industry in San Marino. In fact, many of the international players have jobs off the pitch that pay the bills.
Here is the starting XI from yesterday’s (September 5) victory against Liechtenstein, and what the players do for a living.
5. LB: Alessandro Tosi
Like compatriot Giacomo Benevenuti, Tosi plays for Victor San Marino - but off the pitch he works as a digital marketing specialist. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
6. CM: Alessandro Golinucci
Golinucci's brother Enrico is also a footballer. Away from the game, the midfielder works at a distribution factory for a toy company. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
7. CM: Lorenzo Capicchioni
22-year-old midfielder Lorenzo Capicchioni is a student at UNIRSM Ingegneria Gestionale, a university at San Marino. | Instagram Photo: Instagram
8. CM: Matteo Valli Casadei
Very little is known about midfielder Matteo Valli Casadei; the 19-year-old plays for USD Vanchiglia 1915, on loan from the San Marino Academy. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images