Overview

GiocaGoal is an Italian tabletop football (soccer) game manufactured by Atlantic, a company well known in Italy during the 1970s for their wide range of scale model soldiers, tanks, and dioramas. Similar to Subbuteo, GiocaGoal simulates a football match using plastic figures that are flicked across a playing surface. Each box contained half of the pitch, a complete team, coach, bench, referee, and a goal, meaning two boxes were needed for a full match. Teams were painted in the colors of Italian Serie A clubs.

Components

Per box (one box = one team):

• Half playing field/pitch
• 1 complete team of plastic football figures (various poses: forwards, midfielders, defenders, goalkeeper)
• 1 coach figure
• 1 bench
• 1 referee figure
• 1 goal
• Balls (semi-spheric and round varieties)
• Rules sheet

For a full game you need two boxes to form the complete playing area.

Setup

1. Connect two half-pitches together to form the complete playing field.
2. Each player places their team figures on their half of the pitch in their desired formation.
3. Place the goalkeeper figure in front of each goal.
4. Place the referee figure at the center of the pitch.
5. Place the ball (semi-spheric ball recommended) at the center spot.
6. Determine which player kicks off (coin toss).

Turn Structure

Players alternate turns flicking their figures to move the ball:

1. Choose a Figure

Select one of your team figures to flick.

2. Flick the Figure

Use your finger to flick the base of the figure, propelling it across the pitch toward the ball or into a defensive position.

3. Ball Contact

If your flicked figure contacts the ball, the ball moves in the direction of the impact. The goal is to propel the ball into the opponent’s goal.

4. Opponent’s Turn

Play passes to the opposing player, who flicks one of their figures.

Actions

Attacking

Flick your figures to contact the ball and advance it toward the opponent’s goal. Chain passes between figures by flicking one figure into the ball so it travels toward another of your figures.

Defending

Position your figures strategically to block the ball’s path toward your goal. Flick defenders to intercept the ball or knock it away from attacking figures.

Goalkeeping

The goalkeeper figure is typically controlled differently – it may be moved by hand within the goal area or flicked with special restrictions to make saves.

Shooting

When the ball is near the opponent’s goal, flick a figure with force and accuracy to send the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net.

Free Kicks and Set Pieces

When a foul occurs (knocking over an opponent’s figure, etc.), the opposing player receives a free kick from the spot of the foul.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Goal: A goal is scored when the ball fully crosses the goal line between the goalposts.

Win: The player who scores the most goals within the agreed match duration wins.

Match Duration: Players agree on match length before starting (number of turns, time limit, or first to a set number of goals).

Special Rules & Edge Cases

Ball Types

• Semi-spheric ball: The recommended ball. Easier to control, rolls more predictably.
• Round ball: More difficult to control, moves less predictably. For experienced players.

Knocked-Over Figures

If a flicked figure knocks over an opponent’s figure, this may be considered a foul, resulting in a free kick for the opponent.

Off-Pitch Ball

If the ball leaves the playing surface, the opposing player takes a throw-in (or goal kick if it went over the end line) from the appropriate spot.

Goalkeeper Rules

The goalkeeper has special movement privileges within the penalty area. Exact rules may vary by house rules, but typically the goalkeeper can be repositioned by hand within the goal area before the opponent shoots.

Formation Strategy

Arranging figures in effective formations (4-4-2, 4-3-3, etc.) affects both offensive and defensive capabilities. Figures that are well-positioned require fewer flicks to reach the ball.

Italian Serie A Teams

The figures were painted in the colors of real Italian Serie A teams from the 1970s. Players could collect and play with their favorite team colors.

Player Reference

Turn: Choose figure -> Flick figure -> Ball moves on contact -> Opponent’s turn

Scoring: Ball fully crosses goal line = 1 goal

Win Condition: Most goals at end of match

Key Numbers: | Item | Value | |——|——-| | Players | 2 | | Boxes needed | 2 (one per team) | | Manufacturer | Atlantic (Italy, 1970s) | | Ball types | Semi-spheric (easy), Round (hard) | | Similar to | Subbuteo |