In Group A six away victories: Padova and Atalanta U23 also did well. In Group B Zeman ko, Rimini’s poker in Recanati
Here’s everything that happened in the first block of matches of the penultimate midweek round of the year.
group a
—
The distance between Mantova at the top of the class and Padova, which is trailing by eight, remains unchanged. The league leaders narrowly advance in the spin in Alessandria (1-0) thanks to Bombagi’s first goal, together with De Maio (alternative in defence) the only reinforcement of the January transfer window for Possanzini’s perfect machine. As mentioned, Padova keeps pace and returns to winning ways after overcoming a treacherous obstacle: to beat a Pro Patria team in excellent form in Busto Arsizio (they were coming off seven useful results), Torrente dusts off the 4-3-3 and passes (2- 0) with a goal in each half from Varas from the spot and from Bortolussi. However, Triestina collapses again (two defeats out of two for Bordin): Renate also passes in Fontanafredda (3-1), overturning Anzolin’s initial advantage with Sorrentino’s brace and Paudice’s goal. Third place in their sights – now at minus three – is placed by Vicenza, increasingly convincing thanks to Vecchi’s care: a super first half is enough for Menti to defeat Pro Vercelli (2-0), with inspired goals from Sandon and Pellegrini from Della Morte best on the pitch. In the race for the podium, also watch out for Atalanta U23 who won the derby against AlbinoLeffe in Zanica (1-0) thanks to the second goal for the Nerazzurri by former Verona player Siren Diao. Legnago’s rise continues, entering the playoff zone with their third victory in a row: on the Giana pitch (fourth consecutive defeat) goals from Martic from a free kick and from the former Rocco, Franzoni unnecessarily shortens midway through the second half. Virtus Verona has the same points as Legnago, finding their first victory of 2024 against Arzignano (1-0): the signing is of the Colombian Damir Ceter, formerly of Bari, who is thus unblocked after three months. Francesco Baldini’s debut on the Trento bench was excellent, beating away (2-0) a less brilliant Lumezzane than in the last outings: in the second half, the newly arrived Spalluto scored from a penalty and Anastasia scored. In the playout zone, third success in a row 1-0 for Novara who, thanks to Calcagni, overcame a Pro Sesto team that was increasingly in crisis (only one goal scored in the last 11 games).
group b
—
Even the other leaders, Cesena, can smile: to beat a good Arezzo (1-0) Chiosa’s own goal in the middle of the first half is enough, on an evening in which goalkeeper Pisseri, who has risen to a record height, takes the cover of 758′ unbeaten. Mimmo Toscano’s team, for one night, even flies to plus 15 over Torres (awaited by the match against Lucchese). At the Adriatico, however, Spal achieved their second success in a row since Mimmo Di Carlo returned: Pescara beaten (2-1) in a comeback, with Merola’s goal responded by the greats Antenucci and Maistro (with Cuppone kicking out the penalty of the possible draw, second mistake of the season from the spot for the Salento attacker). Nice performance by the other Abruzzo side, Pineto, who won in Pontedera (3-2) with a decisive move from Lombardi, after the Tuscans had overcame the initial double disadvantage. In Rimini’s 4-1 win on the Recanatese pitch, Morra’s brace stands out (the Romagna players hadn’t won for a month).
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED