Dila overturned an early setback to sweep past Virtus 3-1 in a lively Europa Conference League first qualifying round clash at the Tengiz Burjanadze Stadium.
Virtus made the perfect start, with S. Benincasa converting from A. Golinucci's assist inside three minutes to give the Italians an early lead. But Dila's response was swift and emphatic. Just five minutes later, S. Shekiladze levelled matters, finishing off a B. Gogoberishvili assist in the 8th minute. The hosts then completed the turnaround before the quarter-hour mark, as B. Anoff struck unassisted in the 14th minute to put Dila 2-1 ahead.
Despite Virtus's Golinucci-inspired opener, the Italian side struggled to find another way through, with A. Amati booked early on and later substituted alongside a string of changes as manager sought fresh legs. Dila, meanwhile, controlled the tempo through the second half, making tactical switches at the break and beyond, including Gogoberishvili's withdrawal for M. Kante — a substitution that proved decisive.
Kante sealed the win in the 68th minute, converting a Shekiladze assist to make it 3-1 and extend Dila's advantage heading into the closing stages. Cards were shown to A. Tali, O. Parulava for Dila, and Gasperoni for Virtus in stoppage time, but the result stood firm.
Dila now carry a two-goal cushion into the second leg of this qualifying tie.